CSX Train Blocks Plymouth Crossing For 9 Hours

PLYMOUTH, MI — If you’ve ever tried to drive through Plymouth, chances are you’ve been stopped at one of the city’s seven railroad crossings. Delays can be lengthy, but a CSX Corp. blocked the South Mill Street crossing for nine hours on Monday — leaving drivers and city officials livid.

City Manager Paul Sincock reminded residents via email that train companies like CSX are Federally regulated and there’s little Plymouth can do, but complain to legislators. U.S. Rep. Dave Trott got the message loud and clear from constituents and responded Wednesday by firing off a letter to CSX CEO E. Hunter Harrison.

“These unexplained, and increasingly frequent delays have caused major disruption in the daily lives of my constituents,” wrote Trott, a Birmingham Republican serving the 11th District.

“My office, as recently as yesterday, has received assurances from your federal relations team that these unreasonable delays will cease by the end of the week. It is my sincere hope that you appreciate the significant safety threat that citizens of Plymouth have been unfairly subjected to.”

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It’s not the first time Plymouth has had issues with lengthy CSX train delays. Sincock told the Plymouth Observer that the company is often responsive and the situation improves, but only temporarily.

In his letter, Trott said Plymouth drivers faced a similar situation In April 2016. He described blocked railroad crossings as an “annual event.”

“CSX must take substantive steps to resolve this serious situation,” Trott said.

Besides contacting Trott as well as Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, Sincock urged residents to contact the company. He listed several numbers:

• CSX Railroad Emergency - 1-800-232-0144, Extension 1 to report crossing blocked.
• CSX Regional Vice President - Tom Livingston - 708-832-2169
• Federal Railroad Administration - 419-259-7570

Photo by Luke Sharrett / Stringer / Getty Images News / Getty Images