The Central Avenue intersection with North Main Street (U.S. 29) in Landis has been moved north to get a safer intersection with better visibility and no hump over the railroad. A northbound train crosses the new intersection. photo by Wayne Hinshaw, Salisbury Post

The Central Avenue intersection with North Main Street (U.S. 29) in Landis has been moved north to get a safer intersection with better visibility and no hump over the railroad. This view is of the old Central Avenue intersection crossing the railroad tracks that is being removed. photo by Wayne Hinshaw, Salisbury Post

Staff report

LANDIS — The rain didn't deter continued construction on a new at-grade crossing at Central Avenue, officials said.

"I talked to an inspector a couple of hours ago and even with rain, things were moving on," said Chris Corriher, district engineer for the N.C. Department of Transportation

Barring any last-minute snags, the crossing was slated to be open Wednesday afternoon.Construction crews for the N.C. Department of Transportation permanently moved the Central Avenue rail crossing.

The new crossing moved 600 feet north of the existing Central Avenue crossing, which connects to Main Street (U.S. 29A) just north of downtown Landis.

The crossing was moved to the new location to improve sight distance for motorists. The Central Avenue crossing was identified for closure and reconstruction as part of the town's agreement to close the Round Street crossing.

The crossings are part of the N.C. Department of Transportation's overall effort to reduce the number of at-grade crossings throughout the state.

State officials say they consider many of those crossings redundant or unsafe.

When possible, the department works with communities to close or consolidate redundant or low-volume crossings.

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