Railroad repair crews have converged on Castle Rock to work around-the-clock replacing settled segments of track and address erosion problems. The work on the lines that traverse downtown is resulting in intermittent crossing closures and an expected full closure of the Fifth Street crossing Monday and Tuesday, April 9 and 10.

"This work is necessary for everybody's well-being," said Fire Chief Art Morales, acknowledging that the timing and the notice are not what the Town prefers. However, in the interest of safety and to lessen the likelihood of a derailment we need to work with the railroad and let their crews make the necessary repairs as soon as possible."

The Fifth Street crossing closure is scheduled from 6 a.m. Monday until 6 p.m. Tuesday. The crossing will re-open as soon as the crews can clear out and the crossing is safe for travel.

Fifth Street traffic will be detoured around the railroad crossing. Specifically, signs will direct motorists to use the following alternative routes:

·From Highway 86 (Fifth Street) westbound, use Founders Parkway, Woodlands Boulevard, Gilbert Street, or old Front Street. Westbound motorists are encouraged to use Third Street railroad crossing downtown.

·From Fifth Street eastbound, use the Second Street accessible from either Wilcox or Perry streets. Or, use Plum Creek Parkway to Gilbert Street.

·From Front Street just north of the Flyover (bridge), use old Front Street to access Fifth street east of the railroad crossing.

A map that shows the various detour routes is posted on the home page and on the streets and lanes closure page in the public works section of the Town Web site, www.CRgov.com.