Proposed Railroad Crossing Closure In Joppa Denied By Harford County Executive

JOPPA, MD — A request to close Joppa Road on both sides of the CSX railroad track for repairs has been denied by Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly.

Cassilly wrote to the Maryland Transportation Authority who made the request on behalf of CSX rail service and stated that closing that crossing would slow emergency vehicle response times and hinder vehicle and pedestrian traffic in that area.

"We initiated our road closing committee protocols, including scheduling a public hearing, and began our internal investigations. During these investigations, our department of emergency services reported that this closure will increase emergency response times in the vicinity and negatively affect public service. Our department of public works reported that the proposed closure will also adversely impact traffic circulation in the area. Due to the significant negative impacts on public safety, Harford County is denying this road closure request. We are canceling the public hearing, as it is no longer necessary, and our process is hereby concluded," Cassilly stated in his letter to the MTA.

Earlier this month, the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company spoke out against the proposed closure, citing the problems it could cause in response times and overall safety.

“Closing Joppa Road at the CSX crossing will force additional traffic through this intersection, exacerbating the existing dangers and putting the well-being of our community at even greater risk,” said JMVFC in a Facebook post. "Thank you to Bob Cassilly for hearing our concerns and denying the closure of Joppa Road at the CSX rail crossing."