Railroad crossings improvement project gains steam across Long Beach

By Toni Miles

The City of Long Beach’s Railroad Crossing Grade Improvements Project is well underway, as evidenced by improved and upgraded railroad crossings throughout the city.

Recently, work was completed at the railroad crossing located at White Harbor Road and Railroad Street, as seen by the newly-laid asphalt at the intersection.

In all, improvements will be made at nine of the city’s railroad crossings. It’s all part of a project and partnership between the City of Long Beach, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) and CSX. In 2017, a grant was secured through MDOT for this pilot program, which is designed to improve safety and traffic flow at nine railroad crossings in the city.

The project will not only improve the City’s infrastructure, but will also enhance safety at these crossings.

“Long Beach has long faced challenges with businesses and residents not being able to access roads, because their trailers or trucks would get stuck on the railroad tracks,” said Long Beach Community Affairs Director Courtney Cuevas.  “This creates traffic blockages, and our police department has had to step in to help manage the situation and ensure that people aren’t waiting for trucks to move.”

While there are temporary delays at crossings where construction is taking place, City leaders believe this is an overall good investment for the City and those who work, live and visit the area.

Work on the project began back in April and will take several months to complete. Work at each crossing has a specific start date and duration, all information which is being provided by the City.

The following crossings are part of the overall improvement project: Nicholson, Richards, Beach Park, Cleveland, Girard, Trautman, Island View, South Landing and White Harbor crossings.