This is going to be a chaotic week on the Danville roads. The major reason is all the railroad crossing work being done by Norfolk Southern. While the city did receive a notice that nine different crossings are affected, there was no definite schedule given on when each crossing will be closed and for how long. In addition, the preliminary work done a while back has left the crossings extremely rough. Danville Deputy Police Chief Terry McCord says the best thing to do is allow extra time, and be prepared for any possible closing.
AUDIO: Plan ahead; make sure you know that you have to go around certain crossings. Use the bridges, and everything that’s available for you, to go over those bridges.
Bridges in Danville that can help avoid railroad tracks are Fairchild Street, the viaduct on Seminary, and Oregon Street connecting Fairchild to Main on Danville’s east side.
McCord says, even if you’re going over a crossing not closed right now; you need to figure, it’s probably a rough one.
AUDIO: The ones that aren’t closed, that are open and have been under construction; be very aware of the damage they can cause. You just have to go slow. I know they’re doing work right now; you know, it’s for the future betterment of the roads. But right now it’s a little tough. So people just have to be patient, slow down, and be aware.
One crossing that could definitely cause some short tempers is the one the State Department of Transportation has announced; the Norfolk Southern Crossing on Main, between Washington and College, set to close Tuesday. McCord says, patrol officers will be keeping their eyes on the location.
AUDIO: What we do is we have our officers pay as much extra attention as they can if it’s one of their assigned areas. It’ll be on the officers’ mind, and they’ll be paying attention to as much of it as they can
Finally, the new striping for the work happening on Vermilion between Fairchild and Downtown will happen within the next couple weeks. McCord says, in the meantime, please use extra caution, and watch where you are driving, on that section of Vermilion.
AUDIO: It’s a little confusing for people. We have had some complaints of driving, because unfortunately it’s not marked; you know, it’s not a laned roadway right now. That doesn’t mean that people still don’t have to use their due diligence. Again, just be patient, take your time, know your surroundings and what you’re driving on.
More than anything, please allow extra time, and be understanding with others, while driving around Danville these next couple weeks.
