County engineer outlines temporary fixes, long-term plan for rough railroad crossing

Mitchell County’s county engineer told the Board of Supervisors the county will make temporary repairs at a troublesome rail crossing near Carpenter to make it safer for motorists this winter and is coordinating with the railroad on a longer replacement project hoped for next year.

The engineer said crews will provide cold patch and dirt patching on the westbound lane and may seal the top to limit water intrusion, while stressing the limits of county authority on railroad property. “We can’t get in there without their permission, so we’re working hand in hand with them,” he said. He also noted the county is running out of signposts while installing markings for no-passing zones and will continue routine maintenance on shoulders and road transitions.

Supervisors and other staff raised safety concerns including repeated flat-tire incidents and the hazard to large trucks navigating the crossing. The engineer said the railroad has crews and that the county is attempting to avoid costly flagger and insurance requirements by negotiating limited maintenance work with the railroad.

The county will pursue temporary fixes to improve rideability through the winter, monitor the crossing and continue paperwork and cost estimates for a more permanent solution in the following construction season.