CHARLESTOWN, R.I. (AP) - Officials in Charlestown say a plan to realign railroad tracks to eliminate speed-restricting curves could impact residents, wetlands and preserves throughout Washington County.
The Federal Railroad Administration’s $120-billion plan seeks to rebuild the congested Northeast Corridor over the next 30 years by shoring up crumbling infrastructure, running more trains and building new tracks.
The Westerly Sun reports that in Charlestown, the new route would travel through the Burdickville Road area, bisect the Frances C. Carter Memorial Preserve and cut through Amos Green Farm and the areas of Columbia Heights, Shannock and Kenyon.
Town Council vice president Julie Carroccia tells WJAR-TV the focus should instead be on enhancing the existing infrastructure.
The deadline for affected communities to respond to the FRA’s Tier 1 Final Environmental Impact Statement is Jan. 31.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.