Railroad work cuts local road off for two days

County officials hope the third time is the charm in giving instructions to railroad maintenance crews.

CSX has been working on crossings in northern Greencastle Township late this week, causing blockages.

County Road 175 North presents a unique challenge for the crews, however, as it crosses the CSX line twice with no other way in or out.

Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Tom Helmer had to respond to the area twice this week, telling the crews they had to leave one of the crossings open at all times, both for emergencies and simply the normal flow of traffic.

"Common sense would tell you that you can't close both ends," Helmer said.

Not only common sense, but County Highway Co-Supervisor Jim Smith told CSX the same thing on Tuesday.

It was to no avail, as Helmer had to respond on Wednesday when one man could not get to work and school buses could not get through to pick up students.

Helmer's discussion with the CSX foreman should have worked, but police received a similar call again on Thursday.

As of Friday afternoon, no further complaints had been received.

Crossing work was also recently completed at U.S. 36 in Bainbridge, and work is scheduled for next week at State Road 236 in Roachdale.

In both cases, the other city street crossings were set to remain open during the work.