Florence County drivers face rotating railroad crossing closures starting mid-January

Florence County, South Carolina – Starting in mid-January, there will be a series of temporary full closures at railroad crossings in sections of Florence County as crews undertake a big project to fix the tracks. CSX announced the work, which will start on January 12, 2026, and would involve putting in new railroad ties in several places around the county.

The restrictions are necessary so that workers may safely get to the tracks while the work takes place. During this time, affected crossings will be closed to cars for short periods of time, and detours will be set up.

Southern Commercial Development, LLC will be in charge of traffic control and signage for the project. They additionally created an interactive online map to enable vehicles keep track of road closures and plan other routes.

Officials advise drivers to expect delays and extended travel times, especially for people who go through the affected areas every day. For safety, drivers should stay away from the closed crossings whenever possible and observe the posted detour instructions.

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The closures will change every day, which will help the construction move along quickly and keep long delays from happening at any one place.

Work begins January 12 with the closure of Java Road, followed by Howe Springs Road on January 13 and Pamplico Highway on January 14. James Jones Avenue is scheduled to close January 15, with Pine Street, Chase Street, and Evans Street closing January 16.

On January 17, Cheves Street, Sunset Street, Harrell Street, and Lawson Street will be impacted. Closures continue January 18 at Sanborn Street, McQueen Street, and Coit Street, while National Cemetery Road will close only after James Jones Avenue has reopened. The final scheduled closures on January 19 include Irby Street and North Dargan Street.

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CSX said that National Cemetery Road and James Jones Avenue will not be blocked at the same time. This is meant to ease traffic. Evans Street is also slated to close again around February 16 for a different phase that will involve putting in new rail.

As the project moves forward, residents and commuters should keep an eye on updates and use the interactive map, since schedules may change based on the weather or construction circumstances.