Following His +18 Month Advocacy & Visit to The Dilapidated Tracks, Schumer Announces Csx Has Finally Completed Long-Term Fixes to Dangerous Csx Crossings in New Windsor; Senator Says Repairs at Temple Hill Rd & Union Ave Crossings Will Reduce Accidents & Boost Safety on Major Roads

Statement

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced today, following his tireless advocacy, that CSX has finally completed construction on long-term fixes to critical structural issues for two frequently traveled rail crossings in Orange County -- one at the intersection of Temple Hill Road and Route 300 and the other at Union Avenue and Erie Avenue -- that had experienced rapid and severe wear and tear in recent years. Schumer explained that CSX paved over the two crossings, which had caused dozens of incidents and numerous injuries during the last 3 years, boosting the safety and well-being of Orange County residents. Schumer previously visited New Windsor in November, 2018 and wrote to CSX the previous January to push for the infrastructure fixes.

"These run down and, frankly, dangerous rail crossings on major arteries of the town have been a thorn in the side of not just New Windsor residents, but Orange County residents for far too many years, but at long last, CSX has finally stepped up to the plate and completed construction on long-term fixes that will drastically reduce accidents in the area," said Senator Schumer. "I'm pleased to see that CSX has heeded my numerous calls and implemented these repairs because Orange County deserves infrastructure that is up to snuff and safe for residents and non-residents alike. When our rail crossings and major thoroughfares are jeopardizing the safety and well-being of the countless people who travel them, I'll always fight tooth and nail to get them back on track."

Schumer explained that in 2013, CSX came to New Windsor to make minor repairs to the two rail crossings. One crossing is located at the intersection of Temple Hill Road and Route 300, the second most popular road in the county, and the other is located at Union Avenue and Erie Avenue. Schumer said that CSX's initial repairs, while appreciated, were a temporary patch and since then both of the rail crossings deteriorated, leading to uneven tracks and potholes. In fact, reports from the Town of New Windsor indicate the crossings caused accidents ranging from popped tires, to severe automobile damage, as well as risks to cyclists crossing the tracks. According to the New Windsor Police Department, the two worn-out rail crossings have resulted in 25 minor accidents over the last three years, including four that occurred after Schumer launched his initial push in January of 2018.

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