Report trains when blocking crossings, Sheriff says

Trains blocking CSX Railroad crossings. It’s an ongoing problem, and now, Defiance County officials are encouraging residents to report those blockages when they happen. The issue was discussed by county commissioners during their Monday meeting, which was attended by a CSX representative. Defiance County Sheriff David Westrick said there’s been an increase in train blockages of the Hire Road CSX Railroad crossing in the last couple months. A local farmer said blockages are happening on the county’s west end.
The sheriff’s office has been citing CSX for blocking crossings. The penalty is a small fine. The CSX representative Rusty Orben fielded a number of questions that he will attempt to have answered for locals. He did say that longer trains are happening because the railroad is trying to achieve more efficiency. He also said the Hire Road crossing is impacted by the “service requirements” of Defiance’s GM plant, which CSX serves.