Tracks may move

Safety study shows a need for a future shift in railroad track location

by Colleen Schorn, senior writer

A feasibility study to examine safety issues in Rockingham County, the City of Harrisonburg the JMU campus has shown that the railroad tracks should be moved elsewhere.

Students step across the train tracks that run through campus. Photo by Casey Templeton/senior photographer

“The study looked at alternatives and impacts, and then recommended those elements that the engineers thought most beneficial and achievable,” said Winfield Hunt, Director of Facilities Planning and Construction.

“This was a feasibility study so the actual design of any modifications is a potential project somewhere in the future rather than a current task,” Hunt said.

The details of the project have not been planned.

JMU spokesman Andy Perrine said the basic concepts of the study include moving a little over three miles of track.

The tracks would be removed from the central area of campus. The tracks also wouldn’t cross streets like Main Street or Reservoir Street. Perrine said the tracks would move off into the north side of the county.

Perrine added that it would take a lot of time and money, and possibly could involve the use of federal dollars.