PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Some Portsmouth leaders, including Mayor Shannon Glover, are trying to derail a proposed CSX train expansion that could clog traffic around the tracks along Frederick Boulevard for up half-an-hour.
CSX has requested the federal Surface Transportation Board to allow the company to run a two-mile train through Portsmouth along Frederick Boulevard, saying it needs direct access for its freight to reach Norfolk International Terminals, but city officials say it’s a terrible idea.
Glover said that while he is a CSX fan, blocking traffic at the tracks for up to 30 minutes at at least 21 crossings is not suitable for an urban city, and in particular, he’s concerned about several intersections that would back up when the two-mile long train goes through.
Portsmouth to become ‘international hub’ for shipping of agriculture products, mayor says
“It’s very problematic for my city to think that we could bring trains that are 10,000 feet long, going through my city anywhere from one to 10 mph, blocking traffic lanes for 14 to 30 minutes. It’s a public safety issue. It’s a national security issue. It is not really fair to the city of Portsmouth…