Trains block entrance to subdivision, residents say

Eight people from the neighborhood came to the meeting to say they are frustrated that nothing has been done despite almost five years of complaints to Norfolk Southern railroad, city officials and others.

The neighborhood of 22 homes on Lomar Drive sits between the Coosa River and a side track owned by Norfolk Southern. Trains are often parked on the sidetrack to let other trains pass, residents said.

"Almost five years later, we still have nothing except more trains, more crossing blockages and a lot less patience," said Polly Tanner, who has lived in the neighborhood for 13 years.

Tanner and others want a road built parallel to the track that would connect to Honda Drive, which passes over the tracks. It would be less than two miles long, they said.

Councilman H.H. Kuykendall said plans for a road have been slowed by a lack of money and problems with buying rights of way from property owners on the planned route.

"I'll make you this promise," Kuykendall told the group. "We'll be talking about this at the council meetings until we get something done."

Tanner said there are about 55 people living in the neighborhood. She said trains have stopped and blocked the crossing at least 11 times since April 17. She estimated the blockages probably average about 50 minutes each time. Some Lomar Drive residents are late for work and can't get to doctor's appointments because of the problem. If the crossing is blocked when the mail runs, the mail is delayed a day, she said.

Jim Brown, who has lived in Lomar Villa Estates for two years, said the problem has gotten more serious because the train traffic is increasing, partly due to the expansion and increased production at the Honda plant.

Brown said if there were an accident at the Anniston Army Depot weapons incinerator, a blocked crossing could delay evacuation. He said sooner or later the blocked crossing could have tragic consequences. Brown said he waited 20 minutes to get out of the neighborhood Sunday morning and another 20 minutes to get back in Sunday night.

"The potential is there, and it's going to happen one day," Brown said. "There's a lot of older people living in this neighborhood."

Councilman Rod Templeton said the potential problems are serious.

"I'm worried about getting an ambulance to you, or a firetruck," Templeton said.

Templeton said the city might be liable in a lawsuit.

Tanner said she and others would keep fighting until something is done.

"We're gonna be like cancer. We're gonna be incurable this time," Tanner said.

Susan Terpay, director of public relations for Norfolk Southern, said Monday night she was not familiar with the problem in Lincoln, but said she would look into it.

"We take citizens' concerns seriously," said Terpay, whose office is in Norfolk, Va.