Columbus Announces Emergency Street Closures as Railroad Crews Begin Critical Repairs at Multiple Crossings

Repairs target several at-grade crossings; closures expected to be short but may extend up to three days

The City of Columbus has announced emergency street closures tied to railroad crossing repairs that began in late March 2025 and extend into April, affecting multiple neighborhoods and commuter routes. The work is centered on at-grade crossings where rail lines intersect with city streets and is being carried out by Norfolk Southern at several locations.

City officials said most closures are expected to last about a day per site, though some crossings may remain closed for as long as three days depending on the scope of repairs. The city has urged drivers to plan alternate routes and use caution near work zones where crews and equipment will be present.

Street-by-street closure schedule released for late March and April

The city’s published schedule lists the following crossings and planned closure dates:

• Joy Road — March 26, 2025
• Conner Road — March 26, 2025
• Aldridge Road — March 26, 2025
• Andrews Road — March 27, 2025
• Brennan Road — March 27, 2025
• Shep Street — March 31, 2025
• Ace Way Drive — March 31, 2025
• Oakview Avenue — April 1–3, 2025
• 10th Avenue — April 1–3, 2025
• 5th Avenue — April 7–9, 2025
• 3rd Avenue — April 7–9, 2025

Why railroad crossing repairs can require full closures

Railroad crossing repairs typically involve work on the track structure, the roadway surface over the rails, and related safety components. Because the rail and roadway meet at a single plane, repairs often require removing and replacing materials within the driving lane, which can necessitate a complete closure rather than a partial restriction. The city has characterized the work as critical repairs.

What residents can expect during the work

Drivers should anticipate shifting traffic patterns around the affected crossings and potential delays on nearby parallel streets as detours redistribute traffic. The city has not issued a single systemwide detour map covering every closure; instead, motorists are expected to route around each work zone as it occurs.

Motorists are advised to slow down in work areas, follow posted signage, and allow additional time for local trips while crossings are closed.

City point of contact for questions

The city has directed questions to its engineering leadership, noting that schedules and closure durations may vary by location as repairs progress.

In a separate engineering notice earlier in March 2025, the city also outlined a long-term closure on Buena Vista Road beginning April 7, 2025, tied to construction of a bridge over railroad tracks—indicating a broader slate of rail-related transportation projects underway across Columbus.