LITTLE MOUNTAIN, S.C. — Railroad authorities have released new details regarding upcoming repairs that may significantly impact commuters throughout the South Carolina Midlands.
CSX is set to undertake extensive upgrades on dozens of train tracks spanning from Columbia to Newberry County, beginning with tracks along Harbison and Lake Murray boulevards on Monday, Feb. 5.
For many drivers in Little Mountain, in Newberry County, navigating the railroad crossings near downtown has become a notably bumpy experience.
"It just seems like it's getting worse and worse; you have to go slower and slower because it feels like it's going to jar your car," resident Melinda Gibson said.
She's growing tired of the bumpy ride.
"I always come to a stop first, then I go over it from there - nowhere near full speed, you know, very slowly," Gibson added.
"I can definitely tell a huge difference over the last year or two; I've had to come to a complete stop to go over them," said Abby Albergotti.
In response to the growing dissatisfaction, CSX, in collaboration with Southern Commercial Development, has announced plans to address the issue.
The repairs are scheduled to commence in Richland County on January 29 and progress through Lexington County towards Newberry County, concluding on March 8.
Notably, each railroad crossing will undergo a total closure during the repair process, with teams working on them one by one rather than simultaneously. The closures are anticipated to last three to five days, with special consideration for one-way in or out crossings with residents behind them, aiming for completion within 12 hours.
"I'd say this crossing has been in terrible disrepair for a year or more. It's gotten to that point it's totally deteriorated; there's hardly any crossing left there," Little Mountain Councilmember Marty Frick said.
"If it takes a couple of days closure to accomplish that, I think we all can live with that," Gibson said.
Officials reminded the community that as the project continues, dates may change due to weather conditions.