Railroad crossing closing decision expected next month

An administrative law judge heard arguments Wednesday morning, for and against a plan to close several West Tulsa railroad crossings. <br><br>His finding will be released within 30 days, and that's

Wednesday, May 22nd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

An administrative law judge heard arguments Wednesday morning, for and against a plan to close several West Tulsa railroad crossings.

His finding will be released within 30 days, and that's when the Oklahoma Corporation Commission will make their final ruling.

The controversy began when the Sand Springs Railway announced it wanted to close seven crossings along Charles Page Boulevard. It says the crossings aren't used enough and that closing them won't adversely affect homes and businesses in the area.

People in the neighborhood disagree. They're concerned if the crossings are closed, emergency vehicles may have trouble getting to their homes. Resident, Pam White, "I just live down here and I'm going to have to go way out of my way to come back and find a way to the expressway to get to work. It's just an inconvenience."

A neighborhood meeting was held Tuesday night for nearly 100 concerned residents who feel closing the tracks will cause congestion, and will limit access to their homes.