Ruling set soon on Canton rail crossing

CANTON — An administrative law judge is expected to rule within two months on whether Jay Street should become a dead end to improve safety and traffic flow at the East Main Street CSX railroad crossing.

"It's obviously a very unsafe situation," CSX Transportation spokesman Robert R. Rohauer testified at a hearing Wednesday in the Canton municipal building. "We would support the closure."

As part of its reconstruction plans for much of Route 11 though the village in 2010, the state Department of Transportation has proposed changing the East Main Street railroad crossing so that Railroad Avenue is straightened at the intersection — making it easier for trucks turning onto it — and closing off Jay Street to eliminate a double crossing over the tracks. Because the tracks angle across Jay Street, drivers must stop on the tracks to clearly see traffic on East Main Street.

CSX runs five to eight freight trains through the village daily, but that will increase as the price of fuel makes rail transportation more attractive, Mr. Rohauer said.

Jay Street resident Robert M. DeGraaff, who was once nearly hit by a train at the crossing, agreed with the DOT's recommendation.

"This is an experience I would not like to repeat," Mr. DeGraaff said. "Safety trumps convenience every time."

The hearing before Judge Peter S. Loomis was necessary to comply with railroad law. The DOT prefers to close off Jay Street, create a cul-de-sac where it meets Main Street, and build a 12-foot-wide walkway that emergency vehicles could use.

The plan requires the removal of an East Main Street building used by Citizens Against Violent Acts.

"They understand what we're facing and they don't have any objections," said DOT design leader Stephen G. Gagnon.

As a good-faith gesture, CSX should make a donation to CAVA to help it move, said Cynthia F. Wells, Elm Street, who is the St. Lawrence County coordinator for United Way. CAVA is a United Way agency.

At previous hearings, a handful of Jay Street residents objected to the dead-ending of their street, mostly out of concern over property values, emergency access and snow removal. However, the vast majority of Jay Street residents have told Mr. Gagnon they want their access to Main Street closed.

Canton Fire Chief Michael E. Dalton and Police Chief Alan P. Mulkin support DOT's recommendation.

Mr. Gagnon also reported calls from residents of College and Elm streets who fear dead-ending Jay Street will increase their traffic.

"Elm Street is going to turn into a raceway," Ms. Wells said. "We want three-way stops on Elm and Judson."

The village is evaluating three-way stop signs and speed bumps, Mayor Charlotte C. Ramsay said.

According to DOT traffic counts, the traffic load on Main Street is 16,000 vehicles per day while Jay Street averages 348 vehicles per day. College Street handles 1,534 vehicles per day so traffic there shouldn't worsen significantly, Mr. Gagnon said.