Local

Drivers seek answers after Union Co. railroad crossings unexpectedly close

Drivers are asking for answers after several railroad crossings were unexpectedly closed in Union County and other nearby areas.

CSX closed nearly every rail crossing in Indian Trail Monday, so drivers had to detour for miles. Some people said the alternate route took up to 45 minutes.

"Everyone was late to work because they had to get re-routed," Beth Jackson said. She owns Sunrise Fence on Wesley Chapel Stouts Road, next to one of the crossings that was closed.

More than a dozen rail crossings have been closed in the stretch from Charlotte to Union County, including:

  • Hayes Road in Monroe
  • Campus Ridge Road in Matthews
  • Crestdale Road in Matthews

An early railroad crossing closure was a problem on Central Avenue in Charlotte last week, where Channel 9 cameras caught frustrated drivers driving around barricades to cross the tracks illegally.

North Carolina Department of Transportation officials and town leaders said they were not notified of this week's closures in advance.

Channel 9 asked CSX officials why they didn't warn anyone of the closures beforehand, and they sent a statement that said, in part:

"Crews worked through the weekend after rain delays last week and are now ahead of schedule, which means some crossings closed ahead of schedule as well. CSX regrets any confusion this may have caused."

Officials said all of the road closures are expected to end by the end of the week.

CSX officials also said that Potter Road near Waxhaw Highway will be closed for repair from late evening Feb. 20 until Feb. 24 at noon. Officials said signage will be in place marking detour routes and each crossing will be closed for two to five days, depending on any unforeseen issues or weather.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com: