Traffic has returned to normal in downtown Emporia after a damaged Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line saw motorists being detoured for much of the late afternoon.
Early indications are the damage occurred after a semi crossed over the southernmost track and pulled one rail out of the ground severing it. Southbound traffic was affected for several hours with traffic detoured in both directions around the work zone.
A repair update is currently pending from BNSF.
4:45 pm Monday: Repairs underway after rail severed at Emporia’s Commercial Street Crossing
Drivers in downtown Emporia are urged to avoid the Burlington Northern Santa Fe crossing at Commercial Street after an incident Tuesday afternoon.
Early indications are a semi damaged the southernmost track, pulling one rail out of the ground and severing it. This affects southbound traffic, but Emporia Police are directing vehicle traffic in both directions around the work zone. Train traffic, meanwhile, may proceed slowly through the intersection until the rail is replaced.
Repairs started around 4:30 pm but may take several hours to finish.
Further details about the semi and its load are pending. Word on potential citations is to be determined.
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
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