Syracuse braces for train traffic

SYRACUSE – Officials are expressing concern about news that two coal trains per day could soon be moving through Syracuse.

It has been 17 years since Syracuse was home to that much train traffic and Otoe County Sheriff Colin Caudill said it will pose some new challenges for first responders to begin 2021.

 

 The sheriff told the Syracuse City Council Wednesday that his office has been working side-by-side with the Burlington Police Department to create awareness in the community by posting flyers at local businesses and  also at the school.

The tracks cross over four streets in the city of Syracuse and also at the  intersection of 28th Road and West Ninth Street, which is heavily traveled by young drivers on their way to the Syracuse complex for games and practices. 

The line is owned by OPPD and there is no plan at this time to add additional bars or lights at any of the crossings.

 

 

Councilwoman Laramie Werner, who volunteers on the Syracuse Rescue Squad, expressed her concern to sheriff Caudill regarding fire and rescue. She said emergency crews need to be able to travel south on Highway 50 from Syracuse as that is the only straight path south of town.

Caudill: "I understand and that also makes me nervous."

The sheriff also filled the council in on an increase of scam calling. One example is the callers representing themselves as the IRS and claiming to be collecting payment using gift cards. The sheriff urges the public to be cautious as  the IRS does not call individuals for payment.

There have also been two more separate incidents of vehicles driving on the soccer fields.

A grant  by an anonymous party was awarded to the build a bathhouse project for $88,000.

OPPD earlier announced increased use of the railroad tracks for grain hauling.

https://oppdthewire.com/rail-partnership-arbor-line-oppd-2020/