A representative from the Paducah & Louisville Railway, Inc was on hand during the Monday, December 7, Leitchfield City Council meeting to ask the city to close the railroad crossing at Brandenburg Road.

Lawrence Russell from P & L Railroad said, “the railroad crossing on Old Brandenburg Road was a dangerous crossing because the road was so steep and several trucks have gotten stuck over the years.”

“We believe that this road crossing is a potentially dangerous crossing for motorists as well as employees of the railroad,” said Russell. “Although the crossing is currently protected by flashing lights, due to the steep hill the sight distance in either direction is inadequate and the hazard is great.”

Russell added, “over the years we have had several occasions where trucks became stuck on the crossing and a wrecker had to be called to remove the truck. If the railroad fails to receive adequate notice of an incident like this the result could be catastrophic.”

Closing the crossing does not seem to be a solution the citizens of Leitchfield are happy with.

“I received more phone calls about closing that crossing in the last two weeks. The people do not want this closed,” said Councilman Billy Dallas. “But we can not sacrifice safety for convenience. On any given night a truck can get hung and derail the train.”

The council agreed to make no decision on closing the crossing and will hold a public meeting on December 21 at 5:30 p.m.

In other business:

• the first quarter budget was presented. City Clerk Erin Embry reported the budget was right on track for the first quarter and the city had a net loss of $60,000.

According to Embry the city council had expected the loss because they wanted to cut into the excess surplus monies.

• the city council discussed a name for the new entrance to Brandenburg Road and no decision was made.

• the council also agreed to match the $4,500 contribution the City of Clarkson made to the My Kentucky Home- Grayson County movie that will be produced by Marvo Entertainment.

• Councilman Kelly Stevenson requested crosswalks be painted on the roads near the Grayson County Middle School, H.W. Wilkey Elementary School and Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center on Wallace Avenue. It was agreed these crosswalks with be painted.