Monday, February 9, 2009

High Speed Rail Issues in Franklinton

High Speed Rail Issues in Franklinton

So what’s the big deal about this High Speed Rail? I imagine that’s what a lot of folks outside of the Town of Franklinton are wondering…especially after seeing the story on WRAL that showed little or no traffic running through the Mason/Main Street intersection. Well…a couple of commissioners and I have been around that intersection several times in the evening over the past couple of months…and guess what? THERE’S A TON OF TRAFFIC! There was actually a LINE on West Mason Street turning south onto Main Street! Who knew?

Why was this such a big deal to me? Because I knew that if I was upset about it, you might be too. I’m fairly certain that none of the citizens of Franklinton want to see the east side of town several limited in their ability to get to the west side of town. I also know that closing off entire communities and neighborhoods, as would have occurred with the closure of both College and Hawkins Streets. To me, these things are simply unacceptable. I felt the need to express these thoughts – after all…I figured that’s what I was supposed to do!

In May 2008, I met with representatives from the NC DOT Rail Division, one of whom is our own Jimmy Harris. It was a GREAT meeting, and we had a wonderful time examining the possibilities of safely rerouting traffic while ensuring the safety of railroad crossings. I’m looking quite forward to speaking with Mr. David Foster of the Rail Division again regarding this. I’ll keep you posted!

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