Expect heavy traffic in Marietta this week as railroad street crossings are closed for maintenance

Editor’s note: This article has been updated with new plans for the railroad closures.

What would the Grinch do if he took over the Polar Express and decided Marietta was the next Whoville?

He’d have a hard time coming up with a better plan than using his newfound locomotive power to lay siege to the Marietta Square by shutting down every railroad crossing in the area during the thick of the holiday shopping season.

Rail freight company CSX had announced it would shut down seven railroad crossings around downtown Marietta nearly simultaneously Thursday and Friday for maintenance. The closures, which seemed to be the product of unfortunate timing rather than the Grinch’s ill will toward Christmas, were expected to create traffic headaches in the area.

However, like in the Christmas classic, there was a change of heart late Wednesday.

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According to the city of Marietta, CSX contractors postponed the work until next week at the earliest. The crossings are on Waverly Way, Whitlock Avenue, Mill Street, Polk Street, Kennesaw Avenue, East Dixie Avenue and Marble Mill Road.

It’s likely Whoville will be singing for joy.

“Once we are made aware of the new date, we will pass that information along,” the city wrote. “‘Tis the season to be jolly!”

Each crossing is expected to take 24-48 hours to complete.

Anyone with questions can contact CSX directly 404-350-5165.

Credit: City of Marietta

Credit: City of Marietta

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