On the way home for lunch, I noticed two DOT employees standing by the train tracks at Ellicott Street and Jackson Street, so I stopped and asked if they were planning on improving the intersection.
Anybody who has driven over or walked past the train tracks knows the road is in bad shape there.
Troy Sampson, a civil engineer with the DOT, said the state will rip out the asphalt along the rail line and replace it with concrete panels, just like the railroad crossing on Route 98 now.
The work was supposed to start next week, but there has been a delay. The state hopes now to start work in August. The project will take 6 weeks to complete.
"It's 100 percent going to happen," Sampson said. "It's just a matter of how it's going to happen. There's lots of logistics here."
UPDATE: Well, not so fast. The project that looked so certain this morning is now on hold. I just received this e-mail from Troy Sampson:
We spoke, in brief, earlier today at the rr crossing on Ellicott St. The proposed work will be done by the Railroad's contractor, not DOT forces. Myself and a RR representitve were onsite to investigate some issues that have come up that need to be resolved in order for that project to progress. Because of those changes, the project is currently on hold until all the necessary parties can meet to evalute the new scope of work. The orginal plan that was all set to go is now on hold. We intend to do a project, but are not "100%" as noted.
That is great news, it's long
That is great news, it's long overdue! I drive over those twice a day. Too bad the road can't be repaved also to go along with the sidewalk and landscape work that was done.
If u only see two dot workers
If u only see two dot workers then nothing is happening. when u see at least five and one is actually doing something then u know its work. LMAO !
Its about time!!! I was
Its about time!!! I was wondering what you were doing out there when I passed by this afternoon...plus I was also wondering what the covered work signs were all about on Ellicott...but when i see it done...then I will believe it.
Ellicott St.! What about the
Ellicott St.! What about the rest of the city streets. They are just terrible. Spoke with Ray Tourt at city hall and said they are out looking at all the streets. That was a month ago. How did they get so bad. Oh thats right, we needed an new city center and ball park. Excuse me I'm sorry.
Howard, Did you notice that
Howard,
Did you notice that all the crosswalks have been spray painted on Ellicott? Do we know if those areas are getting fixed as well? Most of them have been patched so many times that they are very uneven and need to be milled and repaved (like I-490 near 259)
Again, I moved to this area
Again, I moved to this area in 1976. I have traveled over those track at least 1,000 times.(it seems so anyways) I still have NEVER seen a train cross them??? I understand someone responded saying that cars were on the tracks.
How many times do trains use these tracks?? Are they really necessary??? Can alternative methods be used to replace the cars??Who owns the property?? TEAR them up !! ( or fix them) if not, the city or county should fine whoever ownes them for neglect.
The tracks are used, but not
The tracks are used, but not often. As long as they have businesses to service there will be a need for them. I watch them cross Swan St. about once a day.
its been over a month since
its been over a month since this was reported....any word on when this work will be completed? what about the road under the train tracks on leigh? putting a cone in a large pot hole while tring to avoid other pot holes and that sharp turn, especially when a car is coming in the opposite direction can be very interesting!