The City of Buford and Norfolk-Southern have come up with operational changes with the help of U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde (GA-09) to help cut down on the number of trains blocking railroad crossings in the city.
City officials with Buford, Norfolk Southern representatives and Congressman Clyde met at Buford City Hall on June 28, 2023, to discuss the impact the blocked crossings are having on the residents. Buford officials told the Norfolk Southern representatives about the critical delays that are hampering efforts of first responders.
“I applaud both the City of Buford and Norfolk Southern for their hard work in devising a plan to significantly reduce train-blocked railroad crossings in the community,” said Rep. Clyde. “This partnership swiftly executed a solution to alleviate anxieties, streamline operations, and improve living conditions for Buford residents and visitors. Enhancing the safety, well-being, and economic prosperity of Georgia’s Ninth District remains one of my top priorities, and I’m thankful to both Buford City officials and Norfolk Southern representatives for working with my team to achieve this pivotal goal.”
Congressman Clyde was contacted about the ongoing issues with trains blocking the six railroad crossings in Buford. Once contacted the Rep. Clyde and his staff worked to facilitate a meeting between Buford City officials and representatives with Norfolk Southern to come up with a viable solution. Norfolk Southern has remained in contact with the City of Buford to keep them up to date on the “progress in addressing the situation.”
“Working together with local officials is critical to ensuring smooth operations and improving the quality of life for those in the communities we serve,” said Conner Poe, Assistant Vice President of Government Relations for Norfolk Southern. “We are grateful to Congressman Andrew Clyde and the City of Buford for their partnership in developing a solution that benefits the community and keeps our trains moving for the nation’s economy.”
“The City of Buford wishes to thank Congressman Clyde and his staff for taking this initiative and being involved with day-to-day concerns in Georgia’s 9th District,” said Bryan Kerlin, Buford City Manager.
Residents of Buford have been frustrated by trains blocking the crossings in downtown which essentially divides the city in half. There have been numerous instances of all but the very last crossing in town where Main Street crosses over the railroad tracks has been blocked. It has not been uncommon to have a train parked on the tracks for days at a time. The blocked crossings impact everyone from residents commuting to work, taking children to school by both parents and school buses, city workers, first responders and more.
