By Betsy Finklea
The Dillon County Council discussed requesting closure of the railroad crossings at Countryside Drive and Skip Drive.
County Attorney Alan Berry said CSX had informed them that the crossings need to be closed for many reasons including safety. The inland port will be located in this area.
The road will be open everywhere except the crossings. A. Berry said there are alternate routes even though they are not the best in the world. The county would be asking SCDOT to handle the closing of the crossings.
Councilman Robbie Coward asked if they could get someone from CSX to talk to the council about it and get input from the people.
Councilman Harold Moody said it was a state road and the state could handle it without the county.
Interim County Administrator Rodney Berry said the purpose is to save lives.
Councilman Archie Scott said this was a “no-brainer”-the state has the authority to do what they need to do, and they should leave it up to the state.
Coward said he had no problem with closing Skip Drive.
Councilman Randy Goings said they knew there were going to be repercussions when they started bringing in the inland port and asked why they were afraid to send the letter.
R. Berry said there was some small monetary advantage to closing the road and they would pay $10,000 per road closing for the stamp of blessing.
Councilman Robbie Coward, seconded by Councilman Archie Scott, motioned to let the state handle it. The motion was approved by all except Goings.
Councilman Robbie Coward made a motion to give permission to close Skip Drive, seconded by Councilman Archie Scott. The motion was approved unanimously.
