CHESTER COUNTY, S.C. — Chester County won a $27 million federal grant from the Federal Railroad Administration, which leaders said will help create a new connection between two rail lines south of downtown Chester.
[ Parked trains cause pains for Chester County community ]
Motorists and emergency workers have dealt with trains that block tracks in the area and those improvements should end that.
“If I’m going to work, I don’t want to be late 30-45 minutes, because you can’t go this way, that way I’m stuck,” said driver Rebecca Welch.
The grant will also help increase rail capacity, possibly drawing more companies that use rail to the area.
Leaders said the work will take some time, and it could be two years before drivers see a difference.
Chester County Sheriff Max Dorsey said it’s good news for neighbors because it will help first responders respond to emergencies more quickly.
“I am delighted to get any funding that will provide relief from the train congestion that occurs daily in our County that limits our ability to respond in a timely manner to request for emergency service. I thank Congressman Ralph Norman for all the efforts he has put in to helping us with this. I look forward to continued improvements in the railroad system that impacts our community, as I appreciate the important role it plays in our local and national economy,” Dorsey said in a statement.