Safety Concerns Cause Prohibition of Pedestrian Railroad Crossing

In an effort to address safety concerns, city officials announced that the will begin blocking pedestrian traffic at the Cherokee Street railroad crossing during special events.

People will instead be directed to use the connecting Depot Park to Main Street.

The action was prompted by recent incidents involving pedestrians, on foot and in wheelchairs, getting stuck in the railroad tracks, according to a release from the city.

In April, a student got his foot trapped in the railroad crossing at Cherokee and Main Street during the Big Shanty Festival. Four members of the and efficiently, and eventually pulled the young man from the tracks after cutting into his shoe, said Chief of Police Bill Westenberger.

“The underpass was specifically designed to provide safe passage for pedestrians who must get from one side of the CSX tracks to the other,” said City Manager Steve Kennedy. “We encourage people to use the tunnel at all times, not just during events.”

In order to facilitate use of the tunnel, a new handicapped-only parking lot will be established at 2774 Main St. at the corner of Main and Cemetery, while the current handicapped lot at Main Street and Moon Station Road will be used for overflow.

The first two events to be affected by the measure will be tomorrow's outdoor concert and the concert and fireworks celebration on July 3 at the Depot.