U.S. Representative Andrew Clyde was in Habersham County on Wednesday and took the opportunity to visit the railroad crossing construction project in Cornelia first hand.
Cornelia City Manager Dee Anderson had previously thanked Clyde, State Senator Bo Hatchett, and State Representative Victor Anderson for their efforts in making the project a reality.
Clyde explained that he had been involved in the project for at least the last three years. He added that part of the delay was the railroad wanting to demolish the aging Hoyt Street bridge. He said that the need for the bridge removal was for efficient use of the railroad to deliver cargo inland from ports on the east coast.
As he explained the need for the bridge removal, a freight train came through downtown. The train had containers from those ports on rail cars that were double stacked. Clyde pointed out that once the inland port is constructed in Hall County, people would see more double stacked rail cars. The intent being to make the transferring of products inland more efficient and reducing the need for more rail traffic.
Clyde was pleased with the progress that had been made between Cornelia and Norfolk Southern railroad. “ I am thrilled to see that Norfolk Southern and Cornelia have come together in an agreement that is a win for both parties,” he said. He added, “We’re seeing now the fruits of this labor in this new crossing being put in which is going to benefit the entire community.”
The construction crews were beginning to install portions of the rubber crossing Wednesday afternoon while Clyde spoke to some of the railroad personnel. The project is expected to be completed on Thursday.
