Scottsboro City Council Work Session and Railroad Crossing Public Hearing

Monday May 7, 2012 was a Scottsboro City Council work session. Agenda is listed below, click on image for an expanded view.

1) The Owens Rd issue was not discussed. 2) Mr. Bob Mellert suggested a name change of Jefferson Drive to Hero Drive in reconition of veterans and first responders. 3) Public Transportation request discussion - $60,164 is the annual budget amount set aside for the Rural Transportation Program. 4) Discussion concerning surplus property at the police department. 5 vehicles, breaking down frequently - 3 Ford Crown Victoria's and 2 chevrolet Impala's; 2001 - 2005 models, all over 100K, some 200K for milage. 5) Street Department surplus property discussion, some can only be scraped out due to mechanical failure - fork lift, air compressor and auto lift. 6) Six candidates have applied for the Goose Pond Colony Board position, decision to be made at next Mondays regular meeting. 8) Electric power board applicant discussion.

PUBLIC HEARING


A Public Hearing was conducted concerning closing the Railroad Crossing at North Broad Street due to a request from Norfolk Southern Railroad. Two persons spoke, Mr. Howard Hill and Mr. Garry Morgan.

The railroad crossing at North Broad Street, Market Street and Kyle Street are dangerous due to a high incline. Tractor and Trailer vehicles should never use any of the 3 crossings listed as they are unsafe for towed vehicles. Crossing warnings - "No Entry To Tractor and Trailer Vehicle" signs are present at one crossing, North Broad St.,  but no signs on Market and Kyle Street's  railroad crossings.

An accident involving a train derailment blocking Maple Street where hazardous cargo is involved has the possibility of isolating the North side community from emergency vehicle access or evacuation if required. City Council members stated they would need to work on an Emergency Response Plan in the event of an accident blocking crossings from North Cedar Hill Dr. to Tupelo Pike. Obstructed crossings results in an extended emergency response time. Travel from 5 Points via East Willow St. to  Ridgedale Dr. to Tupelo Pike back to Maple St. at Tupelo Pike is 11 minutes.

A train derailment blocking Maple Street with a hazardous materials spill could lead to catastrophic consequences for the North Side Community. There are no Emergency entry or exits to or from the north side if Maple Street is blocked and Cedar Hill Dr., North Houston St., Market or Kyle Streets were obstructed.

Daily Sentinel links on this issue:
 http://thedailysentinel.com/search/?t=article&d1=1+year+ago&q=railroad+crossing+

PHOTOS

 North side approach to railroad crossing, North Broad Street. Note sign on the left, "No Tractor and Trailer Trucks."

Another photo displaying a closer look at the angle and short approach and departure on the north side of the North Broad Street railroad crossing.

The North Broad Street Clossing should not have a bearing on Emergency Planning related to the North Side Community. Emergency Preparidness must take precedent involving this issue.

The crossings are hazardous and emergency planning is lacking.

South side approach to the North Broad Street crossing. Note the sign to the right, "No Tractor and Trailer Vehicles." No doubt the steep approaches and short departure ramps to a parallel roadway to the rail tracks is dangerous.

Looking west to the N. Broad St. crossing from Maple and Market St. intersection. North Broad Street is the next crossing shown to the west.

 North Kyle Street south side crossing. There are no tractor and trailer warning signs.

North Kyle Street north side crossing.  There are no tractor-trailer warning signs.

North Market Street south side approach crossing. There are no tractor and trailer warning signs. The north side departure is steep and short due to the parallel road to the railroad. This is a hazardous railroad crossing with no warning signals or signs prohibiting tractor trailer vehicles.

THERE ARE TWO DISTINCT ISSUES: 1) Closing of hazardous and dangerous railroad crossings. 2) Emergency Preparedness relating to the North Side Community of Scottsboro. A rail accident in Scottsboro could isolate the North side Community. This could be an extremely dangerous scenario if Maple Street is blocked and the downtown crossings are obstructed.