The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMRR) will be performing work on several crossings in Swain County this spring that will impact vehicular traffic. The work is part of a North Carolina Department of Transportation project to improve safety at highway-rail grade crossings.

In 2000, new grade crossing warning devices were installed at tight crossings in Swain and Jackson counties. This year, GSMRR crews will replace the crossties and upgrades the rail through these same crossings.

To do this, vehicular traffic will be detoured. GSMRR is working closely with NCDOT to keep the closures to a minimum.

“Our Maintenance of Way department has planned this work to minimize the, length of time these roads need to be closed. At some locations, we will even build temporary crossings” said Jon Schlegel, GSMRR vice president and general manager

The new track and ties that will be installed have been pre assembled at the maintenance yard in Dillsboro. These track panels will then be transported to the sites by a special work train The railroad has planned for five days at each crossing, but Schlegel says GSMRR will do everything they can to expedite the work.

The following is a list of the crossings and projected work schedule for the remaining crossings:
° Whittier Depot - Feb. 19-23.
° Wilmont/Valley Road - Feb. 26-March 2.
° Robinson Gap - March 26-30.
° Buckner Branch - April 2-6.
° Deep Creek Road - April 9-13.
° Governor’s Island - April 16-20.

 

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