SCHUMER CALLS ON CSX TO WORK WITH NEW WINDSOR TO DEVELOP A LONG-TERM SOLUTION AT TEMPLE HILL ROAD AND ROUTE 300 RAILROAD CROSSINGS; SENATOR SAYS CROSSINGS ARE DETERIORATING RAPIDLY AND POSE A SAFETY RISKS FOR RESIDENTS & FIRST RESPONDERS; SENATOR SAYS CSX MUST ADDRESS THE SAFETY CONCERNS OF LOCAL OFFICIALS AND NEW WINDSOR RESIDENTS AND IMPLEMENT A LONG-TERM SOLUTION

Senator Says Temple Hill Road And Route 300 Crossings Are In Recurring States Of Disrepair –Causing Significant Safety And Quality-Of-Life Problems For Residents, Business Owners And Even Emergency Personnel; Senator Is Calling On CSX To Commit To A Longer-Term Solution That Will Protect Rail Crossings From Current And Future Wear And Tear 

Schumer To CSX: Implement Long-term Solutions To New Windsor’s Rail Crossings That Are Major Accidents Waiting To Happen

Today, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer urged CSX to work with the Town of New Windsor to implement a long-term solution to structural issues for two frequently traveled rail crossings in Orange County, one at the intersection of Temple Hill Road and Route 300 and the other at Union Avenue and Erie Avenue, that have experienced rapid and severe wear and tear. Schumer said both rail crossings are in a state of utter disrepair and are causing  safety and quality of life problems for residents and business owners, making it difficult and dangerous for drivers, cyclists and emergency response vehicles to cross potholes and uneven tracks. Schumer said it is critical for CSX to work with local officials to make important upgrades to the rail crossings and ensure the continued safety of residents and emergency vehicles. Schumer said CSX must commit to a more permanent solution for these dangerous railroad crossings.

“These deteriorating rail crossings in New Windsor routinely cause minor accidents and it is only a matter of time before something more severe happens. That is why I am urging CSX to work with New Windsor to fix the current deterioration and plan for the future wear and tear. Both of these crossings see high volumes of traffic and CSX owes Orange County residents and first responders the peace of mind of knowing that railroad crossing are safe,” said Senator Schumer. “That is why I am strongly urging CSX to commit to a long term solution to these dangerous crossings.”

“The CSX Rail crossings in the Town of New Windsor are in a critical state of disrepair. The Town has tried to work diligently with CSX for years to get a permanent solution, a concrete rail crossing at the Temple Hill and Union Avenue crossings, with no success. Any resident of the region who travels Route 300 and Temple Hill Road knows of the major damage that routinely occurs when trying to cross these tracks. I thank Senator Schumer for taking up this cause. All who cross these tracks eagerly await meaningful corrective action. Enough is enough, each day that passes we see more and more police calls for damaged cars and blown tires pile up. These tracks can even hinder emergency response vehicles and student busing. We need a permanent solution today. We will lack a safe travel corridor until this is achieved,” said New Windsor Supervisor George Green.

Schumer explained that in 2013, CSX came to New Windsor to do some minor repairs to the crossings.  One crossing is at the intersection of Temple Hill Road and Route 300, the second most popular road in the county, and the other is at Union Avenue and Erie Avenue. Schumer said CSX’s initial repairs, while appreciated, were a temporary patch and now both of the rail crossings have deteriorated leading to uneven tracks and potholes.  In fact, recent reports from the Town indicate the crossings are causing accidents ranging from popped tires, to severe automobile damage, as well as risks to cyclists crossing the tracks. Schumer said as traffic continues to increase on these main roads, it will be critical for CSX to develop a permanent and long lasting solution for these decrepit and dangerous crossings.  

Schumer said while previous efforts by CSX to make temporary repairs to crossings in the Town of New Windsor are appreciated it is still vital that CSX meet with Town officials and engineers to develop a longer-term plan to upgrade these grade crossings and make them less susceptible to frequent and persistent deterioration.

A Copy of Schumer’s letter appears below:

Dear Mr. Foote:

I write to request CSX assistance in developing a long-term solution to structural issues at two frequently used rail-crossings in the Town of New Windsor, New York that frequently fall into a state of disrepair. One crossing is at the intersection of Temple Hill Road and Route 300 and the other is at Union Avenue and Erie Avenue. Both crossings have fallen into major disrepair including many potholes and uneven tracks, making it difficult and dangerous for drivers and emergency vehicles to cross and have impeded emergency response to incidents throughout New Windsor.  To ensure a smooth, safe flow of traffic it is critical that CSX work quickly and cooperatively with New Windsor to make upgrades needed to ensure residents and emergency vehicles are safe as the travel through the crossings.

In 2013, CSX came to New Windsor to do some minor repairs to the crossings, and it’s my understanding that in more recent years additional temporary repairs have been made. Although these repairs were greatly appreciated, given that they were temporary in nature they quickly deteriorated. Recent reports from the Town indicate the crossings are causing accidents related to popped tires and severe automobile damage as well as risks to cyclist using the crossing. As traffic continues to increase on these roads, it is important for CSX to meet with New Windsor officials to develop a permanent and long-term solution for these decrepit and dangerous crossings.

While I appreciate previous efforts by CSX to make temporary repairs to crossings in the Town of New Windsor, I’d now ask that you meet with Town officials and engineers to develop a plan to upgrade these grade crossings in a way that is less susceptible to frequent and persistent deterioration. Thank you for your attention to these issues; I believe your attention will make a meaningful improvement in rail grade-crossing safety in Orange County and throughout New York. Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

###