North Carolina DOT considers crossing closure on CSX line

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is soliciting public input on a proposal to permanently close a grade crossing at East Preston Street on a CSX line.

NCDOT’s Rail Division on Feb. 28 will hold an open house to review the closure proposal in Selma.

Officials from the town of Selma and Bailey Feed Mill have asked Rail Division leaders to consider closing the crossing to address traffic and safety concerns. The mill has expanded in recent years, which has increased rail and commercial truck traffic at the site, NCDOT officials said in a press release.

As part of the proposal, the NCDOT would close the road, install guardrails on either side of CSX's track, and create a dead end and new turnaround area. Those safety improvements would be performed in 2025.

The NCDOT is accepting public comments on the closure proposal until March 13.