Dickinson Builds Road to Free Railroad “Hostages”

Workers are busy constructing a path to freedom for dozens of town of Dickinson and Kirkwood residents who sometimes can't leave their neighborhood because of idling trains.

Stopped trains occasionally block the Phelps Street railroad crossing for extended periods, making it impossible for people to drive to or from Rogers Mountain Way.

Dickinson town supervisor Michael Marinaccio said a road now is being built to link Phelps Street with North Moeller Street in the Brandywine Heights neighborhood.

During a recent interview on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Marinaccio said the idling trains have been known to block access at the Phelps Streets crossing for an hour or more. He said that was "unacceptable."

The supervisor said the owner of the property needed for the street extension has granted a right-of-way for the project at no charge. He said the town received the necessary county and state approvals for the work.

The town of Dickinson is spending more than $200,000 to construct extension.

Marinaccio said he expects the new roadway will be ready for use by the end of next month.

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