WORLAND — The railroad crossing at Fifth and Big Horn that is offline will be closed to traffic next week from June 5-7, according to the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

WYDOT district spokesperson Cody Beers said there will be a total closure at the intersection from June 5-7 and no one will be able to cross the highway at the intersection.

Beers said they will be direction traffic to Culbertson and the old highway bridge or onto South Flat Road. They are encouraging truck traffic to use South Flat Road.

“The signal is not working at all right now. We immediately put the traffic signal to red flashing lights, essentially turning that intersection into a four-way stop,” Beers said. Turning all lights to flashing red increased the safety factor at the intersection to ensure people are stopped and looking before going across the railroad tracks, Beers said.

After meeting with Burlington Northern Santa Fe officials Tuesday morning the plan to repair the crossing next week was put in place.

Beers said they are hoping the crossing can be fixed in two days but they are listing the closure for three days in case it does, in fact, take that long.

“We’re preparing for three days. They need to take the entire crossing apart in hopes of fixing the issues,” Beers said.

He added that WYDOT had planned to smooth out the crossing in a project slated for next year but since there will work at the crossing next week they will proceed with that project at the same time.

“The good news is some of the rough parts of the crossing should be fixed after this,” Beers said.

He said they have spoken to Admiral Beverage about the closing and will be speaking with other companies in the area to make them aware of the closure.

“We’ll be working on it to get it fixed but it will be an inconvenience to the residents for a few days,” Beers said, adding that Worland residents traditionally have a great attitude with WYDOT projects. “They understand when issues arise. We appreciated people letting us know right away that the railroad crossing wasn’t working,” he said.