Railroad work could slow rescue response

Woodbridge, Va. –– Ongoing work at a Woodbridge railroad crossing means it could take longer for fire and rescue crews to get to the Featherstone Shores neighborhood.

Traffic on busy Featherstone Road has been reduced to one lane across the rail road crossing, which is the gate way to the collection of single family homes that sit on the Belmont Bay.

Crews are working this week between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to replace the crossing, and are expected to have  the work completed by the end of the week, said CSX Transportation spokesman Bob Sullivan.

But the reduced traffic flow across the rails means fire and rescue personnel have to take a detour and use a bridge that connects Highams Court, near Belmont Bay, to Veterans Drive and Featherstone Road – on the opposite side of the crossing, said OWL Volunteer Fire Department spokesman Jack McGovern.

The bridge on Highams Court is not regularly opened to traffic, but is now being used as a Virginia Department of Transportation recommended detour around the work at the railroad crossing.

“We have done a test with our apparatus on the bridge at Highams Court and it has been recommended that Ambulances and Engines (Pumpers) be allowed to use this bridge,” said McGovern. “Even with using this bridge, there may still be a slight delay in services to the area as we have to unlock a total of three gates in order to proceed down Featherstone Road.”

Officials say any delays incurred in the area would be similar to those encountered when a train is moving through the area.

OWL officials are continuing to monitor the railroad work, said McGovern.

A Prince William police spokesman said he “had not heard” of any issues concerning police response in the area.