KINGSLAND, Ga. – Some residents in a Kingsland neighborhood expressed their frustrations and concerns Tuesday over the potential closure of a railroad crossing.
A sign that was posted at the site states that the company St. Marys Railroad is asking to close the railroad crossing, and a public meeting will be held at Kingsland City Hall to address residents’ concerns.
“This crossing has been here for the 45 years I’ve been in this town, and it should remain here. There’s no reason to close it other than somebody trying to avoid paying the upkeep,” Resident Geoff Bonnet said.
That orange closure sign has stirred up strong emotions among residents.
“I came home Sunday and I saw these orange signs at the railroad crossing, and I didn’t actually pay any attention to them until Monday morning, when I learned that the railroad company is actually trying to close the railroad crossing completely,” Resident Josh Kukails said. “It affects my daily travel to and from work. But my biggest thought is it’s going to affect delivery drivers, EMS, the bus routes for the children that ride in the mornings.”
But for residents in this community, the closure isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s also a financial and safety concern.
“I’ve seen this neighborhood a foot deep underwater, where you can’t get here other boats by boat, unless you came across that railroad track,” Bonnet said. “My stepmother lives right here at this intersection, and she’s getting up in age and, she’s you know, she can’t get out of here when that happens.”
News4JAX reached out to St. Marys Railroad and spoke with the general manager briefly over the phone.
He said they are looking to close this crossing for safety concerns as there are no signals or gate arms, limiting visibility for the conductors.
When asked why they won’t add those items instead of closing the crossing he said the company doesn’t want to pay for them, so they rather just close it.
Concerned residents also created a petition to collect signatures and urge local authorities to reconsider their decision to close the crossing.
The public hearing to discuss the closure will be held at Kingsland City Hall on March 10 at 6 p.m.