By By Ben Alexander/The Meridian Star
May 24, 2001
The proposed closing of a railroad crossing at Arundel Road appears to be delayed indefinitely.
The closing has been the subject of intense debate. Business owners on the road claim the street is a vital to quick delivery of services and that closing the crossing would cost them money.
Norfolk Southern Railroad officials asked the city to close the crossing for safety reasons, but failed to produce any evidence of accidents at the site.
At its May 15 meeting, the Meridian City Council dropped the item from the agenda at the last minute. Some council members said the final decision rests with the Mississippi Department of Transportation.
MDOT officials said Wednesday they won't make a move until the city does.
Dick Hall, transportation commissioner for Mississippi's Central District, said it wasn't MDOT's idea to close the crossing.
Ben Alexander is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3226, or e-mail him at balexander@themeridianstar.com.