Council moves to begin Moore Street closure process tied to rail-safety and quiet crossings work

The Greer City Council on Nov. 25 approved the first-and-final reading of resolution 23-20 25, authorizing referral of a requested closure of a segment of Moore Street to the city attorney so the city can begin required public-notice and ordinance steps.

City staff said SCDOT and Norfolk Southern approached the city with a safety initiative to reposition railroad crossing arms and related signal work at the Moore/Line intersection. Staff told council that without modifying the roadway, motorists can be trapped between an arm and the tracks when trains pass.

Steve, a city engineering representative, described the hazard: “If you pull up there and the arms go down, you’re trapped between the railroad track and the arms,” he said, explaining why closing the short section reduces the risk of motorists being stranded in the crossing.

City staff also said the closure would support Greer’s application for a quiet crossings designation, and that SCDOT and Norfolk Southern will carry the costs for required engineering and signalization changes. The proposed closure would remove the asphalt and plant grass on the closed segment while the city would retain ownership of the right-of-way; staff said no driveways would be affected and emergency access arrangements would be preserved.

Council voted to pass the resolution and begin the formal road‑closure process and public-notification period. Staff indicated a future ordinance (two readings) will follow as part of the required process for abandoning a public street.

Next steps: the resolution advances the closure to the city attorney, triggers public notice and begins the timetable for subsequent ordinance readings.