CSX to make Charles County drivers believe they are in a living hell as they perform long-delayed crossing repairs

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CSX coat trains travel from the main line at Bowie south to the Morgantown power plant at the Potomac River.  This engine approaches the bumpy crossing at Leonardtown Road in Waldorf.  THE CHESAPEAKE TODAY PHOTO
CSX coat trains travel from the main line at Bowie south to the Morgantown power plant at the Potomac River. This engine approaches the bumpy crossing at Leonardtown Road in Waldorf. THE CHESAPEAKE TODAY PHOTO
Leonardtown Road in Waldorf and Charles Street in La Plata Will Close for Railroad Crossing Repairs
Roads will close for up to five days in July
Beginning Monday, July 21, CSX Transportation will repair two railroad crossings in Charles County. This work will require the temporary closure of MD 6 (Charles Street) in La Plata and MD 5 Business (Leonardtown Road) in Waldorf for up to five days each.
The work schedules are as follows:

Monday, July 21 through Friday, July 25 

MD 6 (Charles Street) at the railroad crossing in La Plata will be closed. No vehicles will be able to cross the tracks during this time. Pedestrian access will be maintained. Area business access will remain open and accessible.

Monday, July 28 through Friday, Aug. 1 

MD 5 Business (Leonardtown Road) at the railroad crossing in Waldorf will be closed. No vehicles will be able to cross the tracks during this time. Pedestrian access will be maintained. Area business access will remain open and accessible.

 

Drivers will able to access MD 5 Business (Leonardtown Road) and MD 6 (Charles Street) up to the roadway closure. CSX will provide signed detour routes for each crossing repair.

In La Plata, motorists can use U.S. 301 (Crain Highway), Rosewick Road, Radio Station Road, and MD 488 (La Plata Road). Emergency traffic to University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center can stay on MD 6 (Charles Street) and follow the blue hospital “H” signs. For information about hospital access routes, visit www.CharlesRegional.org

In Waldorf, motorists can use U.S. 301 (Crain Highway) and MD 5 (Mattawoman-Beantown Road).

The State Highway Administration (SHA) is working with CSX Transportation to manage traffic, publicize the closure, and inspect the project. CSX Transportation will perform all repairs and manage the traffic detours. Work includes removal of existing track and crossings, grading and preparation of the track beds, installation of new precast concrete crossing panels, reinstallation of rails and paving of the asphalt crossing approaches.

While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving to help prevent crashes. Stay alert and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down and don’t follow too closely. Drivers, passengers as well as workers are at risk. Commuters should allow extra travel time in their schedule as the closure of these major routes will result in increased traffic and probable delays along designated detour routes and other alternative travel routes. Safer driving. Safer work zones. For everyone. Travelers may also visit www.MD511.org to plan their routes in advance.

Both of these crossings are in busy commercial corridors. Residents and commuters are encouraged to support local businesses during the closures. On average more than 21,000 vehicles travel MD 6 (Charles Street) through La Plata and 30,000 travel MD 5 Business (Leonardtown Road) through Waldorf each day.
 
For more information, contact the Citizens’ Liaison Office at 301-645-0550. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258. 
In short, if you live, work or commute in Charles County, Maryland, you are screwed.
  • The State Highway Administration (SHA) is working with CSX Transportation to manage traffic, publicize the closure, and inspect the project. CSX Transportation will perform all repairs and manage the traffic detours. Work includes removal of existing track and crossings, grading and preparation of the track beds, installation of new precast concrete crossing panels, reinstallation of rails and paving of the asphalt crossing approaches.
Available in eBook, paperback and Audible. Click for 5 min. sample
Available in eBook, paperback and Audible. Click for 5 min. sample
 

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