Williamston Mayor Rockey Burgess said the town has a verbal agreement with Greenville and Western Railway to install a traffic safety device on Gossett Drive similar to a “drive thru bar” seen at fast food restaurants.
The bridge was recently struck by a delivery van after Gossett Drive was reopened.
Burgess said it took just 28 days for the bridge to be struck (again).
“It is a problem for the rail road and a safety issue for us,” Burgess said. “Our fire and police personnel have to shut down the road. Railroad people have to come out and inspect the bridge to make sure is not seriously damaged.”
Burgess said the safety device would cost $5000 with the town installing it. If the sign company installed, the price increases to $10,000. In return the railroad will deed a portion of property they own behind the Lander property parking area and Valvoline to the town.
He said the property is valued at approximately $10,000 and has the potential for parking or expansion of the park area. We need to slow traffic, he said.
He also proposed putting a speed bump on each side of the bridge.
“If there is a strike, it will be a slow moving strike,” Burgess said.
