CSX has notified the Ashland Police Department of major rail work in the Town of Ashland beginning Saturday, February 23, 2013 and concluding approximately April 1, 2013. The work will consist of replacing the actual rails on the eastern most set of tracks, and replacing all the ties on both sets of tracks.
This is going to cause some difficulties traveling through Ashland.
Below are the major premises for the time period:
• At all times, the major grade crossings at Archie Cannon/Vaughan Rd; England St. (Rt. 54) and Ashcake Rd (Rt. 657) will remain OPEN, except for normal train traffic.
• At all times, due to the magnitude of the work, the minor grade crossings in the town proper (East Francis St., Myrtle St., College Ave/Henry Clay Rd., and Patrick St.) will be CLOSED
• Sections of Center will be intermittently closed due to the heavy machinery that will accompany the installation of rail and ties. CSX estimates between 50-75 pieces of equipment on the rail and adjacent on Center Street during this work.
• This work is dangerous and CSX will be providing site safety to keep pedestrians away from the machinery, but if there is a need for first responders, they need to be aware of the hazards that accompany this work such as thrown rocks, moving steel and heavy machinery.
• CSX has committed to conducting the rail work in the business sections of Railroad Avenue on Sundays in an attempt to reduce the impact on these businesses during the week.
This project is extensive and involves a fair amount of teamwork and timing; therefore we ask you to be patient when travelling through the area and to be alert for updated information as it pertains to detours. We will continue to release updates to this project through local media, our NIXLE alert system, our website www.ashlandpolice.us and our Facebook page.
Should you have any questions or need further information, you may contact us at (804) 412-0600.