Sen. Schumer repeats call for CSX to fix grade crossings

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Monday reiterated his calls for CSX to work with local officials to fix what the senator characterizes as dangerous grade crossings in Orange County, New York.

Standing with officials in the Orange County town of New Windsor, Schumer doubled down on his repeated calls for the Class I to implement long-term solutions to structural issues at two frequently traveled crossings in the community.

The crossings — one at the intersection of Temple Hill Road and Route 300, and the other at Union and Erie avenues — have experienced "rapid and severe wear and tear" in recent years, according to a press release issued by Schumer's office.

The senator claimed that the deteriorating crossings have caused dozens of accidents over the past three years.

"After waiting almost a year for CSX to get moving and fix them, we’ve still seen absolutely no long-term improvements,” said Schumer. "I'm demanding that CSX stop kicking the can down the road and begin a long-term plan for the rail crossings at once."

Schumer said that while CSX has made minor repairs at the crossings, longer-term solutions are needed to improve safety.

In response to his comments, CSX officials said the Class I has been coordinating with local and state officials to address concerns about the crossings in Orange County.

"We have completed the construction of track panels, which will replace the existing infrastructure at some of the crossings," company officials said in an emailed statement. "CSX will continue working with state and local officials to schedule the necessary road closures to install the panels and repave the asphalt as soon as weather permits next spring. In the meantime, [our] maintenance crews will make some temporary repairs until the repaving can be completed."