Train Crossing Work - CSX Replacing Railroad Ties in Exeter

UPDATE 4/23/25: As of 7 AM this morning, all crossings are open and there are no road closures due to this project.

Project Background

The company that owns the railroad running through town, CSX Corporation, will be replacing more than 130,000 railroad ties along the 124 miles of the Downeaster Corridor from the Massachusetts state line to Brunswick, Maine. The five railroad crossings in Exeter will be temporarily closed as a part of this project. When work is being conducted, railroad crossings will be closed to all traffic. Residents, buses, trash and recycle, and local deliveries will be permitted to enter closed roads but will not be able to cross the tracks. The closures will last for 24 hours a day for up to three days to allow crews to complete the work. The project is weather and track time dependent and is subject to change. 

Tentative schedule for closures include: Starting in Plaistow, the crews are working north on the train line hoping to start in Exeter with closing the Powder Mill Road and Main Street crossings on April 16th and work up to the Salem Street crossing by April 17th. Crews will come back at a later date to be determined to do the Front Street and Main Street crossings.

• 4/16 - Powder Mill Road crossing which will be closed from Kingston Road to Kimball Road
• 4/16 - Main Street crossing
• 4/17-4/22 - Salem Street crossing which will be closed from Wadleigh Street to Summer Street. 
• TBD: Front Street crossing and 

PDF copies of maps showing the railroad crossings and road closures can be found in the supporting documents section at the bottom of the page.

Detours will be in place and residents are asked to follow the directions of traffic crews during the construction. Exeter Public Works and the Town of Exeter are working closely with CSX and their contractors to make sure residents are informed about the work that they are conducting. Updates will be posted to this page as they are available. 

The Downeaster train will be operating a modified service with minor delays on select trains and select dates. For the most up to date information on the Downeaster, visit the Amtrak website.

More information about the Tie Replacement Project can be found on the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority website.