FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Ron Feldner, City Manager

November 17, 2017
Telephone 912-966-7777
Email rfeldner@gardencity-ga.gov
Website http://www.gardencity-ga.gov/

GARDEN CITY MEETS WITH CSX RAILROAD TO DISCUSS

POTENTIAL SOLUTONS TO PROLONGED RAIL CROSSING
BLOCKAGES
WHAT: The City of Garden Citys Mayor, City Manager, Police Chief and staff had a productive
meeting with CSX Railroad staff on Tuesday, November 14th to discuss the recent and recurring
issues with trains blocking grade crossings in Garden City. The City has received numerous
complaints from residents and business owners in Garden City who have experienced excessive
delays and inconvenience as a result of CSX freight train operations.

At the November 14 meeting, the City and CSX discussed the factors that have contributed to
such delays and both parties agreed that all available options to address the noted concerns
should be evaluated in an effort to improve the flow of both rail and roadway traffic in Garden
City. CSX and the City also discussed the anticipated benefits that the Mega Rail Project
currently underway at the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) Garden City Terminal will provide in the
future with regard to the flow of railroad freight traffic, but this project is not scheduled for
completion until at least 2020. In the meantime, CSX has indicated to the City that all options will
be on the table as the various parties work together to find more immediate relief. Specifically,
CSX has agreed to review their local operations to identify potential improvements that may help
minimize CSX related impacts on local residents and businesses, and they have provided direct
contact information for local CSX staff in an effort to improve communication with the City in the
event of a blockage incident. In addition, CSX and the City agreed to engage Georgia Department
of Transportation and local roadway authorities to evaluate potential traffic control measures
that would give through-traffic on Telfair Road advance warning of a train within the crossing,
thereby allowing drivers to seek alternate routes.

The City is committed to working collaboratively with CSX to find solutions to address the
concerns reported by its constituents, while facing the reality that continued future growth at
the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) Garden City Terminal will result in freight volume increases on
local roads and rail lines. The City has included an agenda item for this issue at the City Council
Meeting scheduled for November 20, 2017 at 6:00 pm. At this meeting, the City will provide an
update/report as to the latest details regarding this issue and meeting attendees will be allowed
to address the City Council in accordance with our established protocols.

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