Train crashes into tractor-trailer in Oldham County

CRESTWOOD, Ky. (WDRB) -- A busy railroad crossing in Crestwood with a long history of traffic back-ups and wrecks was the scene of another crash early Monday when a train collided with a tractor-trailer.

It happened around 8 a.m. Monday at State Hwy 22 & KY 146. The force of impact from the collision ripped the trailer open, and some of its contents spilled onto the roadway.

That intersection was closed several hours while crews cleared the scene. No injuries were reported.

Since 2015, at least 200 tractor-trailers have gotten stuck at this same crossing, and at least two have been struck by oncoming trains. County officials are now working to figure out what can be done to avoid future crashes.

"They get turned in there and feel like 'Oh, I can probably make that anyway,' and then they cant," Oldham County Emergency Management Director Jerry Nauert said.

The county has worked directly with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to put up numerous signs warning commercial drivers of the steep grade and urging them to avoid the crossing. However, there are still around 20 semi-trucks that get stuck on those tracks per year, according to county officials.

Many disregard the warnings, Nauert said, and Monday's incident was likely no exception.

"There's just a plethora of signage saying not to (cross) but, nonetheless, he came through and got stuck on the track," Nauert said. "It wasn't in enough time to notify an oncoming train to stop."

KYTC said it has recommended that the city close the crossing, but city leaders are hesitant given the high volume of traffic that crosses the intersection daily. Oldham County leaders, along with officials in Crestwood, have met with KYTC and the railroad company, CSX, to discuss possible alternatives.

KYTC said there are plans in the works, including further warnings for commercial drivers. It said the department has asked the city and county for a proposal on a low-barrier device but hasn't received anything at this time.

"The city and county decided that they would like to look into, maybe, the possibility of installing some type of low clearance device of some sort prior to this intersection to help with mitigating some of the issues with semi-trucks," KYTC spokesperson Stephanie Caros said.

Local residents have previously urged the city to redo the crossing and eliminate the grade, but that responsibility lies with KYTC.

The transportation cabinet said it would be a difficult and unlikely project.

"If there was any time of grade change, it would be a very extensive project," Caros said.

While there have been no injuries in the three similar train versus semi-truck collisions at the location since 2016, county officials fear these could continue until more measures are put in place.

"Oh, I think so," Nauert said when asked if this is likely to repeat itself with no further action.

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