After three train-related deaths, the Harris Road Railroad Crossing is finally getting much-needed safety upgrades.
According to an email from Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler to County Commissioners, a field review of the crossing was conducted involving representatives from Carroll County, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), CSX, Crouch Engineering, and Sain Associates.
TDOT and CSX have agreed, pending final approval, to install caution lights and crossing arms on both sides of the track.
“Due to the traffic count, we were concerned that this might not happen,” Butler said. “But everyone agreed this was a unique crossing and that it was warranted.”
The plan also includes larger advance warning signs and vegetation cleanup along the roadway to improve visibility. Property owners near the crossing will be allowed to handle the vegetation removal, with the county and possibly the Highway Department assisting as needed.
A CSX flagman will be required to be on site during that work.
TDOT will fully fund both the new signage and the crossing equipment through a federal program.
Requests have also been made to the Carroll County Highway Department and Carroll County Electric Department to assist with site preparations and to provide a power source for the lights and gates.
CSX now begins its survey phase, followed by design and cost estimates. Each is expected to take up to 30 days.
Butler said that while the full process typically takes around 18 months, he and others are optimistic at the prospect that it could be expedited to roughly six months.
“As with anything that involves federal entities, a state department, and local government, this process has been slow and will seem slow as we progress,” Butler said. “Realistically, this is moving quicker than I anticipated it would. I appreciate TDOT’s desire to push this forward.”
He added that a formal report from TDOT summarizing the field review will be provided to the county soon.
Butler also extended thanks to Ronnie Wade, Ricky Scott, and Chief Joel Pate for their “involvement and leadership” throughout the process.
He added that he expects a formal report to come from the meeting.
Glad you guys are FINALLY taking action to fix the issue that should’ve been made when Ms. Destiny was in that tragic truck and train accident that cost her life in August.. Now September two more young people were taken one being my brother Martin Perez… only 26 years old and with a 1 year old son…what am I supposed to tell my nephew? That because of their negligence your dad is gone!? I’m glad they’re finally taking action, but that is still not going to bring my brother back thanks to both TDOT and CSX…. #LLMP🧡🤍