Acworth permanently closes train crossing after multiple accidents

ACWORTH, Ga. - The City of Acworth has decided to permanently close the School Street crossing after multiple accidents involving tractor-trailers getting stuck on the tracks. The crossing has been a problem for years, with trucks getting caught on the steep incline and causing collisions.

"Tractor-trailers were getting caught on that crest for a long time," said Kent Thelen, an Acworth resident.

Despite the city putting up warning signs, trucks continued to use the crossing. "Since 2018 we've had 49 citations issued for vehicles that shouldn't be going over that crossing but do. It's a pretty steep incline, so it's easy for trucks, especially tractor-trailers to get hung up on the rail there," said James Albright, Acworth City Manager.

The latest incident involved a trailer getting stuck on the tracks as a train approached. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but the collision caused truck pieces to scatter everywhere.

"After considering a lot of things, safety of the intersection was the foremost concern over public convenience," said Albright.

The decision to close the crossing permanently was also influenced by major train derailments in other parts of the country, including one in Ohio that created a toxic chemical spill.

"Even though this crossing is the shortest way for Jordy Bagwell to get to her neighborhood, she understands the importance of safety. I think the minor inconvenience of going around is better than the potential of a train accident in our neighborhood," said Bagwell, an Acworth resident.

City leaders say that stuck vehicles also use city resources, with police responding to crashes and doing traffic control, and Public Works often called in to clean up. The closure of the crossing will put an end to these issues.

The School Street crossing will be closed permanently, with trains passing through downtown Acworth on a regular basis. The track runs parallel to Main Street, with a few other places to cross the tracks. However, it's the School Street crossing that has caused problems over the years.

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