Tracks crossing to close in Fountain

FOUNTAIN — There’s soon to be only one way across the railroad tracks in Fountain.

The Florida Department of Transportation and Genesee and Wyoming Inc., which operates the Bay Line Railroad, have determined the track crossing at East Main Street is redundant and have requested it be closed. Traffic will be diverted to the crossing at Third Street, according to a memo to Bay County commissioners. Commissioners approved the closure at their Feb. 7 meeting.

FDOT and the railroad company work together to shut down redundant railroad crossings where possible, FDOT spokesman Ian Satter said. The railroad examines their route and submits applications to FDOT for the closures. FDOT reviews the request to see if it is compatible with traffic flow.

In the case of the two-lane East Main Street crossing in Fountain, there is a second, more frequently used crossing only two blocks away at Third Street, Satter said.

“It’s so small there really is no reason to have it,” he said.

Reducing the number of railroad crossings reduces maintenance expenses and increases safety and efficiency. “When trains come to a crossing, they have to slow down, and one less vehicle crossing impoves safety,” he said.

According to the memo to Bay County commissioners, two trains cross the East Main Street juncture each day at a speed of about 30 mph. The railroad will pay for removal of all pavement in the right of way and crossing devices, and it also will pay the county $15,000 in incentives for the removal of the crossing.

As part of the closing, FDOT also has pledged $15,000 for upgrades to the Third Street crossing, including flashing lights and gates.

The East Main Street closure will not begin until the signalization of Third Street is complete. A date for the upgrades to begin has not been set, Satter said.