CSX Urged To Complete Bergen Rail Crossing Repairs

DUMONT, NJ – After CSX Corp. completed several repairs to its rail crossings in Bergen County, local officials are urging the freight company to continue improvements at other locations.

The Florida-based freight transportation company recently improved the tracks at the New Milford Avenue crossing in Dumont, as well as Broadway in Norwood, however U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer wants CSX to fix deteriorating conditions at two other Dumont locations: Madison Avenue and Columbia Avenue.

On Tuesday, he sent a letter to CSX’s President and CEO James Foote asking them to conduct “a thorough and immediate safety study” of the crossings and to work with the town to “implement lasting, effective and mutually agreeable solutions to ensure safety for all.”

According to Gottheimer, recent examination of the crossings found several defects including rotted, damaged, and altogether missing railroad ties that are forcing drivers to take circuitous routes across the tracks. After that, Gottheimer, along with Dumont Mayor Andrew Labruno, worked to get repairs done “quickly and effectively.”

He wrote, “As you know, in the summer of 2019, CSX promised to make needed repairs at these sights, but the crossings remain hazardous and in dire need of restoration.”

“We simply cannot risk a major accident along CSX railroads in Dumont, or anywhere in northern New Jersey,” Gottheimer wrote. “We must do everything possible to permanently secure these railroad crossings.”

According to a report from NorthJersey.com, CSX said work on permanent crossing replacements will occur in the spring but the timing and schedule of the work has not been determined. The report also said that CSX is looking to repair tracks in Bergenfield and Haworth.

Last summer, the transportation company fixed its crossing on Old Hook Road in Closter.