HAGERSTOWN – City leaders are again considering closing the Summit Avenue railroad crossing, nearly 10 years after CSX Transportation first requested the change for safety reasons. This time, the decision is more urgent due to the opening of Meritus Park and the potential for state grant funding to improve nearby crossings, but only if Summit is permanently closed.
At the May 6 work session, council members discussed the issue, and City Engineer Jim Bender presented updated traffic data and public feedback. According to city officials, CSX has preferred closing the crossing to reduce the risk of accidents. Summit Avenue is situated between two other crossings, Virginia Avenue and Walnut Street, which are more heavily used and could qualify for significant upgrades, but only if Summit is eliminated.
Public opinion remains split
To inform the decision, the city conducted a public survey. Results showed the community was evenly divided—roughly 50 percent support closing the crossing, while 50 percent want it to stay open. Residents who live nearby expressed concern about increased traffic being funneled onto fewer streets, while others prioritized safety and potential state investment.
The opening of Meritus Park, home to the Flying Boxcars baseball team and other events, has added a new layer to the debate. Increased traffic on game days and during community events has raised concerns about congestion in the area. Council members noted that previous conversations from 2015 lacked the current volume and pace of development shaping downtown Hagerstown.
Upgrades contingent on closure
If the Summit Avenue crossing is closed, the city would become eligible for state transportation grants to upgrade the crossings at Virginia Avenue and Walnut Street. These improvements include safety technology, infrastructure updates and better vehicle and pedestrian traffic management.
Without the closure, the city would need to forgo the funding or find alternative local sources, which could delay much-needed upgrades.
Next steps: Public feedback and final vote
City staff and council members made clear that no final decision has been made. Additional community input will be gathered before a formal vote is scheduled in the coming weeks.
Residents can attend council meetings, share feedback online, or contact their elected representatives directly. Readers may visit hagerstownmd.org or attend the next city council meeting to share thoughts on the Summit Avenue crossing.
