Gridlock in Columbia: Trains block main intersections for over an hour

Multiple trains in Columbia did not move for more than an hour, snarling rush hour traffic on Wednesday.

At least two trains reportedly blocked Whaley and Assembly streets, and Rosewood Drive through 9:26 a.m. A driver who had been first in line stuck behind one of the trains on Rosewood Drive and Assembly Street said he had been at the intersection since 7:45 a.m.

Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin expressed concern over the issue on social media, stating that he would be having a meeting in December with S.C. Department of Transportation and CSX officials.

“This scheduling issue has become a real major irritant to a lot of us over the past two years,” added Benjamin in an interview with The State. “We have to address it.”

Spokespeople from Norfolk Southern and CSX attributed the delay to one train from each company leaving from their rail yards near the same time, causing both trains to come to a stop at downtown intersections.

“Usually the trains are scheduled so that they leave at separate times,” said Susan Terpay, Norfolk Southern spokeswoman. “This situation was an unusual, and we are working to make sure that it does not occur again. Norfolk Southern apologizes to the community for the delays and will work to avoid inconveniences in the future.“

CSX spokesman Rob Doolittle echoed Terpay’s apology.

“We apologize for the inconvenience this caused morning commuters, and we are already working to improve communication and prevent that from happening again,” Doolittle said. “We look forward to continuing discussions with city and state leaders about how we can work together to support the safe and efficient flow of freight rail in Columbia.”

Commuters took to social media to vent.

This story was originally published November 15, 2017 at 9:32 AM with the headline "Gridlock in Columbia: Trains block main intersections for over an hour."