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MASSENA Upgrades to the CSX rail crossing at Route 420 are something the village hasnt experienced in years.
And the potential closure of Route 420, also known as South Main Street in the village and one of Massenas busiest streets, for the upcoming work has village officials searching for options that would have the least impact on motorists.
Officials are hopeful CSX and state Department of Transportation officials will minimize any traffic disruptions that the upgrades near Massena Industrial Park might cause.
CSX spokesman Robert T. Sullivan said the rail company will replace the existing crossing.
The advantage will be a much smoother crossing, Mr. Sullivan said. It will improve the condition of the crossing for motorists.
Mayor James F. Hidy said CSX officials told him the repairs will occur over four days to a week either this month or in August.
Theyre in the process of repairing the tracks where they meet the surface of the roadway, Mr. Hidy said. Obviously, theyre going to have to close that portion to work on it.
Officials still are determining how to best reroute traffic. The crossing is near one of Massenas only bridges across the Raquette River.
One option is rerouting motorists nearly 6 miles downstream to the bridge at Route 37C. Mr. Hidy is not in support of that option. He said shutting down the bridge could wreak havoc with out-of-town visitors and emergency personnel.
Thats a well-traveled highway, Mr. Hidy said. Were obviously going to have to put our heads together and come up with a better alternative.
DOT spokesman Michael Flick said another option is to create a bypass immediately adjacent to Route 420.
Police Chief Timmy J. Currier also has been involved in the discussions with DOT and CSX.
No decisions have been made as we are working toward a solution that provides public safety, ensures adequate emergency response, produces minimal impact to those that travel in that area, while balancing the need to enable repairs to be made to the crossing, Mr. Currier said in an email.