FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) has informed Coconino County that it will temporarily close the railroad crossing on Garland Prairie Road in Parks for emergency repair work from Friday, July 25 through Monday, July 28. Daily closures will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the crossing scheduled to reopen each evening.
The emergency work will involve replacing railroad ties and repaving the asphalt crossing surface to ensure safe travel for both motorists and trains.
The Parks railroad crossing, located south of I-40 between Bellemont and Williams, is a key route connecting the Maine Townsite and Pine-Aire Estates subdivisions to the interstate.
During the closure period, drivers south of the tracks should plan to detour west along Garland Prairie Road for approximately 19 miles to reach the Bootlegger railroad crossing near Williams Junction.
Although this is a BNSF-led project, Coconino County Public Works is coordinating with BNSF to notify local schools, emergency services, and residents. Electronic message boards are being placed by BNSF to alert motorists in advance of the closure.
Motorists are urged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and use caution when traveling along the detour or near the construction zone.
