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CSX Rail Work Closes S.R. 60 Near 50th Street

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By MIKE SALINERO | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 27, 2008

Updated: 10/27/2008 04:47 pm

Workers replacing timbers on a railroad crossing on State Road 60 between 50th and 78th streets could finish before the end of the week.

A CSX Corp. "tie gang" began replacing wooden railroad ties today on the crossing just east of 50th Street. The work caused westbound traffic into Tampa to be detoured at U.S. 301 to Interstate 4 and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Eastbound vehicles are being detoured at 50th Street either south to the Selmon Crosstown Expressway or north to I-4 and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

The Florida Department of Transportation has placed 19 flashing message boards and 40 detour signs to warn drivers about the work.

DOT spokeswoman Kris Carson said many motorists ignore the detour signs.

"Obviously there's plenty of signage out there," Carson said, "but until they get right up there and are forced to make a U-turn, they either don't believe us or they're not paying attention."

Once the CSX work is through, DOT will repave the road leading to the crossing.

"It should be a much smoother crossing for motorists," Carson said.

The highway could be open Thursday or Friday if work goes as planned. However, low temperatures this week could slow the drying of the newly spread asphalt. Carson said.

CSX replaces railroad ties every eight to 10 years.

Reporter Mike Salinero can be reached at (813) 259-8303 msalinero@tampatrib.com.

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