FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Five days a week through all hours of the night, residents of one Foxborough neighborhood said their being kept awake by idling trains.
Donald Dimauro recorded videos to show what it’s like for him and his neighbors on county street.
“It’s ruined our night-time sleeping habits. We go to bed at night expecting the disruption,” he said.
Dimauro says the increased freight traffic began after the state bought and improved a 21 mile stretch of rail line that connects Framingham to Mansfield.
Todd Hassett has lived just yards from the track for 26 years, and said this is the worst it’s ever been.
“What’s changed in the last nine or 10 months is that now we feel like we live in the train yard itself it’s been extended,” he said.
In addition to the noise, trains have blocked intersections for extended periods of time. Foxboro Police Chief Bill Baker said that it’s a public safety concern.
“Frankly, when the trains block intersections it delays public safety vehicle response time,” he said.
Residents have shared their frustrations with freight company CSX, but nothing has changed.
CSX issued a statement, saying they're aware of how upset the residents are.
“CSX’s goal is to keep freight moving safely and efficiently," the statement read. "We understand that challenges exist and we are aware of resident’s concerns. CSX works to serve its customers in this area within the time window allotted for freight rail service, which is determined by the commuter rail schedule. We continue communicating with local officials about the issues impacting residents, including blocked crossings.”
Residents worry the problem will only get worse next year when a pilot program adding Commuter Rail service to the line begins.
“More respect for the neighborhood, right now we have blatant disregard,” Dimauro said.
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