State Trooper Seriously Injured At SR 60 Railroad Track Project

PLANT CITY, FL – A Florida Highway Patrol trooper is listed in serious condition at Lakeland Regional Hospital following an accident on State Road 60 at the railroad crossing construction site in Plant City Monday, Aug. 6.

According to the FHP, Amanda D. Casull, 28, of Valrico, was driving a 2013 Chrysler 200 west on State Road 60 just west of Smith Ryals Road at 1:54 a.m.

Construction workers were preparing for the 6 a.m. closure of the railroad tracks on SR 60 to replace the railroad track crossing. (See related story.)

FHP Sgt. Leif Cardwell, 48, of Tampa had parked his marked cruiser about a mile from the construction site with his emergency lights activated to warned oncoming drivers of construction ahead.

According to the FHP, Casull failed to stop and collided with the rear and passenger side of the patrol car.

Casull was taken to Brandon Regional Hospital with minor injuries.

Starting today, the Florida Department of Transportation has closed SR 60 between State Road 39 (James L. Redman Parkway) and County Line Road so the CSX can replaced railroad ties.

This section of SR 60 is expected to close for approximately 14 days, weather permitting.

During this closure, motorists will not be able to cross the tracks. They will be detoured around the work zone using S.R. 39 (James L. Redman Parkway), Alexander Street, Park Road, Baker Street and County Line Road.
Access to residents and businesses will be maintained.

Electronic message boards and detour signs have been set up to assist motorists traveling through the detour. Motorists should anticipate heavier-than-normal volumes of traffic on these roads during this closure.

For questions, call the DOT at (813) 612-3200.

Image via FHP

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