It could be some time before a steep stretch of road leading to a dangerous railroad crossing in Rush Township is closed.

During a recent township meeting, a resident asked about the area, where Reading Blue Mountain and Northern tracks cross State Road near its intersections with Golf Road and Route 54.

A steep “ramp” on State Road leads to the crossing in Barnesville from Route 54. Just last month, a tractor-trailer attempting to use the ramp got stuck at the crossing and was hit by a train.

The site has seen other crashes, and is considered by the railroad as one of its most dangerous crossings.

As a result, the railroad is looking to close the “ramp” access to Route 54, and create a cul-de-sac, or turnaround, near Golf Road.

“The railroad has given us a map of what they are looking to do for a cul-de-sac,” board Vice Chairman Robert Leibensperger said.

ARRO Engineering reviewed the design, and asked that the railroad meet some criteria.

Leibensperger doesn’t expect the railroad will reconsider removing the ramp.

“There’s nothing going to stop it; that ramp is coming out one way or another,” Leibensperger said. “As you know, there was a Walmart truck that was whacked (recently). And just before, there were two other vehicles that were sideswiped by the train.”

The township is also being asked to consider taking over the portion of State Road between Golf Road and Tuscarora Park Road.

“The township can say, ‘Nope. We’re out of it, and not touch it,’ ” said Bill McMullen of ARRO Engineering. “I think the state wants the township to take the state road over if they abandon the access to Route 54.”

The township would receive money from the state’s Highway Transfer Turnback program to help with upkeep if it takes over the road. Funds, however, won’t be available until at least 2026, McMullen said.

The supervisors are just gathering information and more conversations will need to occur with the railroad, PennDOT and Public Utilities Commission, McMullen added.

After the township learns more, Leibensperger said it will invite Golf Road residents to a meeting.

In response to concerns about fire apparatus responding to Golf Road when the “ramp” is eventually closed, Supervisor George Gerhard said that no companies use the stretch.

The Hometown and Ryan Township fire departments — both of which respond to township incidents — use alternate roads if they need to access Golf Road. No turns onto the “ramp” are permitted from Route 54 westbound.

“Because of the way that the trucks get stuck, you’re not going to make it with a firetruck,” Gerhard said.

Signs are posted to prohibit trucks with trailers over 45 feet long from traveling on the road.

In other business, supervisors:

• Appointed Attorney Joseph Baranko as Planning Commission solicitor for 2025. Attorney Chris Reidlinger had been serving in the role on a temporary basis.

• Approved the purchase of two new/upgraded computers for the police department at a cost of $10,051.60. The computers are for the police vehicles.

• Appointed Stanilla, Siegel and Maseer to audit, settle or adjust township accounts for fiscal year 2024.

• Noted that the township’s website is updated frequently.