The dreaded tractor-trailer mishaps on Bowden Street blocking the railroad tracks in downtown Locust Grove will be no more.

  That crossing has been closed to vehicle traffic after numerous trucks got stuck there in recent months, provoking humorous photos on social media but also raising concerns about safety.

  Of the three most recent incidents, according to a city staff report issued at the City Council’s October 5 regular meeting, two were going eastbound from Bill Gardner Parkway and the third was going back to the west toward I-75. City manager Tim Young said most of the time the trucks are going to and from South Bethany Road to reach Hwy. 81.

   “You don’t want anything stuck on the track,” said Young. “Most of these [trailers] were empty, but who is to say what would be in the next one? You don’t want a propane truck stuck there. You don’t want to derail a train because you aren’t going to send just one car off; usually you send multiple cars off the track into downtown.”

  The staff report issued to the council noted that all of these incidents are believed to be related to GPS guidance, which neither the city nor Norfolk Southern Corporation can remedy properly other than permanent closure, which would immediately show up in the GPS system.

  “It has to be closed,” said Young. “We’ve tried signage; there have been signs everywhere and it doesn’t work. It has been suggested to put up a barrier, but people hit those. We examined all the options. This makes the best sense at this time.”

  To make the closure permanent, the asphalt and concrete will be completely cut out at the site and a small barricade will also be put in place. Young acknowledged that this will result in a slight delay for residents in the immediate area, but the Peeksville Road crossing is a short distance away to the south. For those going in the other direction toward South Bethany Road, a new traffic signal under development for Colvin Drive will help, Young said.

  Meanwhile, a study will be implemented to define potential new crossing points along the railroad tracks. Any future crossings would preferably utilize an underpass according to the city staff report, but it is almost certain that none would be at-grade (where motorists cross directly at the same level as the tracks, instead of a bridge or underpass). “The fewer at-grade crossings you have, the better for safety,” said Young.

  Needless to say, there has been no opposition from Norfolk Southern on closing the Bowden Street crossing. The railroad wanted it done even earlier, according to Young.

  The resolution passed by the council included a memorandum of understanding with regard to the city and the railroad working together on future crossing locations. According to the resolution, Norfolk Southern will provide a one-time payment to the city of $65,000 and work with the Georgia Department of Transportation to provide a matching $7,500 payment to the city through federal funds.