A railroad crossing in Mason City. Source: WBRC video
Part of the tracks that run through Mason City. Residents are opposed to an expansion. Source: WBRC videoBIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) -
The Birmingham City Council toured the Mason City neighborhood Tuesday afternoon where residents oppose plans by CSX Railroad to build two new bridges as part of an expansion of track there.
The new bridges would mean some families would have to relocate and their homes be knocked down to make way.
"We wanna be left alone," neighbor Mildred Allen told city councilors. "We got one railroad that runs around the perimeter of the neighborhood for 100 years, more than 100 years. That's enough railroad."
"We need to make sure they invest in this community," said city councilor Jay Roberson. "So if I had a home in Mason City, I would [want to] make sure I got the value of what it would mean to take my family and my home and move on to other places to live. So I think those negotiations are important."
CSX officials declined our request for an interview. Through email a CSX spokesperson says that the proposed work in Mason City and Collegeville will reduce not only the transit time for trains but reduce "disruption due to train traffic." CSX also says that the overpass bridges they have proposed will reduce use of train horns.
The railroad needs city council permission for some of the right of way they would use for the new bridges.
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