Railroad crossing update

Published 4:58 pm Friday, November 8, 2013

railroad

A railroad crossing in Brewton is getting upgraded with better safety signals — but it’s not the one you might think.

City Clerk John Angel said the state will be putting crossing arms at the McLellan Street intersection on Sowell Road, where there is currently no signage at all.

But Angel said city officials have been asking the state department of transportation to improve safety at the downtown railroad crossings, particularly the U.S. 31/Alabama 41 crossing. Angel said city officials believe that intersection — which has been the most dangerous over the years — would be more worthy of improved safety measures.

“(State officials) say crossing arms will not fit at that intersection,” Angel said.

At its Tuesday meeting, the Brewton City Council will vote to approve an agreement on maintaining the signage at the McLellan railroad crossing, Angel said. The crossing arms will be erected by the state, using federal funds, Angel said.