State and Federal Officials Urge Closing of Busy Marshfield Railroad Crossing
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2014 -- 9:11 AM
(WDLB) -Safety issues have federal and state officials urging Marshfield to close a busy railroad crossing.The Maple Avenue crossing has been the site of numerous train and vehicle collisions, including three over the past winter. Marshfield Public Works Director Dan Knoeck says the Office of the Commissioner of Railroads, the Federal Railroad Commission, and the Wisconsin DOT have met with city officials to encourage a temporary or permanent closure of that crossing.
Dan said, "They were strongly suggesting that we consider a temporary closure of this crossing. And by closure that would be to all vehicle, and pedestrian traffic, for a period of time to access whether or not this crossing could be closed permanently."
Knoeck says the state has the authority to close the crossing if the city does not, but there would be funding assistance with the closure if the city acts voluntarily.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.