Students, faculty and staff remaining on Elon University’s campus this summer may experience travel delays as construction begins along the rail line running through the Town of Elon.
In an email sent to the campus community, Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley shared information from Elon University Campus Safety and Police regarding upcoming work by Norfolk Southern.
The project is part of the Carolinian Piedmont Passenger Rail Improvement Project.
“This effort is in advance of full rail line replacement work scheduled to take place in August,” Dooley said in the email.
The statement revealed Elon should expect preparatory work throughout June and potentially into early July, resulting in intermittent closures at several railroad crossings in and around Elon.
“The closures are expected to occur Monday through Thursday and could last from one to several hours at a time,” Dooley stated.
Dooley warned that the crossings that may be affected include Williamson Avenue, Church Street, Oak Avenue, York Road and Gillian Road. More than one crossing may be closed simultaneously, according to information provided by the Town of Elon.
Specific closure dates and times have not yet been provided.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is encouraging drivers to plan ahead and follow posted detour signs around work zones.
In the statement from Dooley, Elon University's Campus Safety and Police said it will send E-Alert notifications when it receives information about specific closures.
“We encourage you to ensure your E-Alert contact information is current so you receive these timely updates,” Dooley said in the email.
University officials are also recommending that students, faculty and staff familiarize themselves with alternative routes around campus. One suggested route is University Drive to Haggard Avenue, which avoids rail crossings that may be impacted by construction.
Additional updates will be shared as more information becomes available.