Gilich, CSX look at rail crossings safety, numbers

Biloxi is working to create two boulevard-style rail crossings in the city, one for the extension for Popp’s Ferry Road to U.S. 90 and another for the Pine  Street extension to Back Bay Boulevard, but the growth, according to CSX officials, means that at least six of the city’s current 29 rail crossing may have to close.

Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich met with CSX officials earlier this week as part of an ongoing dialogue about economic development and rail safety throughout the city. No decisions have been made on which crossings could close, as the city awaits information from CSX and traffic counts from Gulf Regional Planning Commission before making recommendations to the City Council.

Gilich and his Administration also have been working with CSX to facilitate development and the return of Amtrak passenger rail service through the Mississippi Coast, and to address safety concerns caused by the high number of rail crossings in Biloxi.

“We share a commitment to safer rail traffic through Biloxi and we’re working on a plan for consolidation that will address our safety concerns while assisting economic expansion in east and west Biloxi,” Gilich said.

Biloxi has 29 rail crossings, 20 of which are bunched between Porter Avenue and Oak Street in east Biloxi. According to CSX, there is an abnormally higher incidence of accidents at city crossings than the Southeastern average. Recently, a soft drink delivery truck was struck by a freight train in Downtown Biloxi after getting stuck on the tracks.

“We agreed to work together on recommendations that will address all the issues involved in rail crossings across the city,” Gilich added. “We’ve established a timetable for an exchange of information and once we’ve completed our due diligence, we’ll make a recommendation to the City Council. That should happen in the next couple months.”
See a map of the city’s rail crossings

 

News and notes

Mo’ ‘FoFo’ TV: Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich discusses the State of the City during an appearance on “WLOX News This Week” airing Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on WLOX ABC. Of course you can still learn all about his presentation earlier this week and a find a link to video on demand by clicking here.

‘FoFo’ in cyberspace: Biloxi’s leader and Mrs. Mayor guested on this week’s “City Desk” podcast in the wake of the State of the City luncheon Wednesday afternoon.  To listen to the seven-minute program, recorded at the Beau Rivage’s Magnolia Ballroom, click here.