(The following story appeared on the Knoxville News Sentinel website on July 31.)
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — To expedite the movement of freight trains through Knox County, Norfolk Southern Corp. said Thursday it will raise track speed at four highway-rail grade crossings beginning Monday. Train speeds at Cessna Road, Gallahar View Road, Fox Road, and Woody Road will increase from 50 mph to 55 mph.
This measure is expected to improve public traffic flow and grade crossing safety by increasing train traffic fluidity through the area, the railroad company said in a press release. More highway-rail grade crossing collisions occur at slower train speeds, according to the press release. At the same time, slower train speeds can cause traffic delays as trains occupy crossings longer.
On average 15 Norfolk Southern freight trains a day pass through Knox County, the company said.