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Short-line operator says trains will resume on Southampton line; council urged to support safety upgrades
Summary
Palmetto Railroads' president told Colleton County Council that scheduled locomotive operations will begin in the weeks ahead on the Southampton line, prompting county and company plans for crossing upgrades, temporary flaggers and community outreach.
Pat McCrory, who identified himself as president and CEO of the short-line operator, told Colleton County Council on April 6 that trains will return to the Southampton line in the coming weeks and that the company is prioritizing safety upgrades at crossings.
"Starting next week you'll actually see locomotives operating in scheduled service," McCrory said, describing crew training and a phased return to service. He said the line contains about 82 crossings, roughly half public, and identified a small set of priority crossings for signal or light upgrades. In the short term, operational crews will use flaggers and high-rail trucks to pilot movements while permanent signalization is installed.
McCrory said the company is coordinating with the South Carolina Department of Transportation to relocate and upgrade several signal systems. He also said the operator mailed information to roughly 16,000 households along the line and provided flyers and a website (info rail.com) for community questions and safety protocols.
Council members pressed about timing, permanence of flaggers and night operations; McCrory said flagging will be phased out as signals are installed and that a regular schedule will be established once the nearby facility is built.
The council's public safety committee said it plans to convene a meeting to discuss crossings and resident concerns; the operator offered to participate in town halls, church meetings and other local forums to share safety information.
