City approves two railroad crossing closures for repairs; IHB expected to petition next week

The Hammond Board of Public Works and Safety approved short-term street closures for two railroad-related projects in June during its May 29 meeting.

Safety Services & Supply requested closure and traffic reroutes to repair the CXX railroad crossing on Sheffield Avenue starting June 8 for about two weeks; the board approved the plan after staff said the detour route had been reviewed. City staff described the detour routing and said the contractor would cover “no truck” signage on 160 Fifth Street while the route is in effect.

Norfolk Southern Corporation requested an 18-hour closure to replace the diamond at the IHB/NS crossing near Willow Court and State Street beginning June 13, roughly 7 a.m. to midnight. City staff said they had been informed that International-Harvester Belt (IHB) intends to petition separately to close its nearby crossing at State Line at the same time; staff did not expect the two closures to interfere with one another and said affected businesses (Northlake Auto and another business) would access facilities from Illinois during the work.

Why it matters: the closures will change local traffic patterns for a limited period and require temporary signage and routing changes; staff said business access plans exist and police/public-works coordination is in place.

The board approved both closure requests by voice vote. Staff said the IHB petition would likely come before the board the following week.