Four town of Elon railroad crossings will be closed starting at 7 a.m. on Sept. 21, according to the town of Elon. York Road, Oak Avenue, Williamson Avenue and Church Street will be closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic. The crossings will remain closed for at least two or three days.
The tracks will remain active during construction. The town of Elon website recommends pedestrians use the underpass tunnel located at East Lebanon Avenue and East Trollinger Avenue. Drivers are advised to follow signs for detour routes.
An email from Vice President of Student Life Jon Dooley recommended students to allow extra travel time to account for the construction.
“Elon University will maintain normal operations and course schedules unless otherwise communicated,” Dooley said in an email. “Campus Safety & Police has adjusted staffing assignments to maintain coverage on both sides of the railroad tracks and preserve emergency response capabilities throughout the closures.”
The email said Elon University is hopeful construction will be done before Family Weekend Sept. 25-27, but weather and other conditions may affect timing.
According to the North Carolina Railroad Company, the company is replacing 69 miles of aging rail between Greensboro and Raleigh as part of its rail replacement project. The company says repairs will improve the safety, reliability and long-term performance of one of the busiest rail corridors in the state.
According to the town of Elon’s website, the rail replacement will increase rail capacity and reduce traffic. Maps of closures and detours can be found on the town of Elon website.