Crossings: North Carolina DOT contracts closure; Ohio commission advances upgrades

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) recently awarded an $82,067 contract to Trull Contracting to close a grade crossing at the intersection of Birkhead Street and Hammer Avenue in Asheboro.

To begin on Monday and conclude on or about Aug. 9, the project involves grading, minor draining, paving and the removal of the existing crossing.

NCDOT recommended that the city close the crossing because it is severely humped and motorists encounter poor sight distances in all four directions.

The department works with communities to close or consolidate low-volume, redundant and unsafe crossings. Since 1993, NCDOT has closed more than 180 public crossings.

Meanwhile, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission directing CSX Transportation to install mast-mounted flashing lights and roadway gates at a crossing in Tully Township.

The railroad must complete the upgrades by Feb. 3, 2014. Funding for the project will be covered by federal dollars.