'It's A Mess,' Hillsborough Mayor Says Of Railroad Crossing Project

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A railroad replacement project by Norfolk Southern is getting negative feedback in Hillsborough.

"We are pretty unsatisfied with what is going on here. It’s a mess," said Hillsborough Mayor John Ciccarelli in an 'Ask The Mayor' update on Oct. 2.

Norfolk Southern began construction to replace the rails at all four of the train crossings in Hillsborough on Sept. 23. Since then, Hillsborough Police have issued warnings to residents about driving slowly over the crossings.

"All motorists are encouraged to travel at a slow speed over any railroad crossing," said police on Oct. 1.

Ciccarelli stopped by the crossing at Auten Road and pointed out the need for more stone to fill in holes and signage to warn drivers.

"They put some stone down [on Thursday] and it's not much better," said Ciccarelli after meeting with Norfolk. "It’s still a mess. And we’re still going to issue a cautionary notice for people to drive slow."

Work is expected to be completed in November, "So we will have to deal with these conditions for another month," said Ciccarelli.

"In the meantime, please be cautious when you’re crossing any of these four railroad crossings here in Hillsborough," said Ciccarelli.

Additionally, Ciccarelli shared a link to residents who need to file a claim with Norfolk Southern for any damage to their cars due to driving over the railroad crossing.

To file a claim, visit norfolksouthern.com/en/ship-by-rail/shipping-tools/business-solutions/file-a-claim.

Norfolk Southern did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment.

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