After much anticipation, it now appears we can finally rejoice in the fact that Thorsby will receive railroad crossing arms at intersections that have had numerous accidents.

The town has fought for help with the intersections since 2007. This week, the work began.

Since 2001, 14 railroad accidents have occurred in the city limits and one outside. Seven of those accidents resulted in fatalities, three inside Thorsby’s city limits and four outside, Mayor Dearl Hilyer said.

Railroad company CSX knew Thorsby was in need of some sort of preventative measure at several crossings, having placed the town on a list of high risk locations that qualify municipalities for high-dollar projects.

CSX has many crossings to account for and many locations asking for help, but we’re glad they’ve turned their focus to Thorsby.

The number of accidents at Thorsby intersections is ridiculously high. Something had to be done.

“I hope this stops any future fatalities or incidents because one fatality is one too many,” Hilyer said. “This project is the safest way we know to do it without a bridge over the tracks or a tunnel under it. Still with the arms, you have to stop, look and listen.”