UPDATE as of 9/6/23: Construction on the northern crossings (Patrick St and College Ave/Henry Clay Road) has been postponed to 2024.
In further conversations with CSX last week, the Town became aware of planned improvements to the railroad ties in the Town by CSX in 2024. To minimize disruption to traffic, businesses, and residents, the Town has negotiated with CSX to postpone improvements on the northern crossings to coincide with work planned for next year.
CSX agreed to the adjustment, especially given that construction on the southern crossings the week of Aug. 28th proved more extensive than they originally anticipated. The Town would like to thank our residents, businesses, and Randolph-Macon for your patience. We will provide an update on the timeline for the 2024 work as soon as we receive details from CSX.
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Original post from 8/22/23:
Portions of Center Street will be closed to vehicular traffic the weeks of August 28th and September 11th for pedestrian rail crossing improvements being implemented by CSX. These improvements are scheduled for the following dates and locations:
- Week of August 28th: Myrtle Street and Francis Street
- Week of September 11th: Patrick Street and College Ave/Henry Clay Road crossings
During the dates listed above, both northbound and southbound Center Street between the crossings will be closed to through traffic the entire week between the hours of 7:00am and 3:00pm.
Why It Matters
In 2021, Ashland’s Town Council adopted an agreement with CSX around upgrades and changes to Ashland’s existing pedestrian railroad crossings. The new crossings will be constructed of more durable materials and improve pedestrian safety, while also maintaining the total number of pedestrian crossings currently in the Town (11). You can read more on the Town's agreement with CSX and these improvements here.