Project Limits:
Project Need:
The CXST railroad crossing (DOT Crossing #140714A) on Centerville Road in Elsmere, Delaware has been a topic of discussion between CSX, DelDOT, and local legislators for many years due to frequent blockages of the roadway by railroad activities and operations. The crossing averages about 14 through trains per day, but is located next to CSXT’s Wilmington Rail Yard and accommodates additional trains during the day due to switching operations. Centerville Road is classified as a major collector and carries approximately 11,645 vehicles per day. The Centerville Road corridor is home to many retail stores, commercial businesses, schools, and an Amazon warehouse whose employees, customers, and other stakeholders are impacted everyday by the railroad’s activities.
Traffic operations at the crossing have been highly scrutinized and are the source of frequent public and legislative complaints due to stopped CSXT trains extending across the crossing, blocking Centerville Road for periods of time greater than ten minutes, thereby violating provisions of 17 Del. C. § 701(c). These blockages cause traffic delays, are a significant safety issue to the traveling public, and create delays for emergency services responding to calls. The blockages have also been an indirect cause of several motor vehicle crashes at this location. The most recent crash in October 2021 involved two vehicles maneuvering to avoid the train blockage and resulted in two fatalities. In efforts to lessen the traffic impacts and improve safety at the crossing, DelDOT has already installed advanced warning beacons atop upstream railroad warning signs to alert motorists of the blocked crossing and has also included this crossing on their real-time travel mobile application. DelDOT has reported the blockages to FRA’s Public Blocked Crossing Portal on their website and encouraged the public and legislators to do the same.
Project Overview:
DelDOT received a Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to study alternatives to potentially eliminate the CSX Transportation (CSXT) railroad crossing (DOT Crossing #140714A) on Centerville Road in Elsmere, Delaware. The objective of the study is to research and develop a plan to improve safety by eliminating the at-grade crossing on Centerville Road. DelDOT and their consultant team aim to research various alternatives that would modify Centerville Road to bypass the railroad crossing so that it can be permanently closed to through traffic. These alternatives include, but are not limited to, grade separation of Centerville Road, ramp reconfiguration onto SR 141, and significant upgrades and modifications to the nearby SR 141 and SR 2 (Kirkwood Highway) Interchange. DelDOT will explore these alternatives in terms of feasibility, constructability, and costs and will also perform environmental reviews and research potential right-of-way acquisition.
Project Timeline:
The study must be completed and a recommended alternative must be selected by June 2027 per the requirements of the FRA Grant.
- Design Phase: N/A
- Construction Phase: N/A
Additional Comments:
This is only a planning study. There is currently no funding for design or construction of any alternative.
Project Engineer Contacts:
Lei Xu, P.E., PTOE
(302) 659-4664
