COTTONWOOD, (KCCR) — As the Rapid City, Pierre and Eastern Railroad is improving track from Fort Pierre to Rapid City it’s also improving railroad crossings with various roads and highways that cross those tracks. The latest major project begins Monday August 11th in Jackson County. The R-C-P-and-E crossing on U-S Highway 14 one-and-a-half miles east of Cottonwood will be closed for the work. Signs on Highway 14 will detour traffic three-quarters of a mile onto Jackson County Road S-26 and Fairview Road. Signals will allow for alternating east and westbound detour traffic. Delays could last up to 10 minutes. Depending on weather, the crossing improvements should be completed by Wednesday August 13th. Crews are also replacing the Highway 14 crossing in Fort Pierre starting Saturday. The crossings are some of 122 total private and public crossings to be improved as a part of the 87-point-seven mile rail upgrade project. The project includes 121 timber bridge structures, 11 mainline turnouts, 80-thousand ties and over 76-thousand tons of ballast. The project will allow trains to operate up to 25 miles an hour from the current 10. The overall project should be finished next year.
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