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282 Thorpe St, Summerville, SC 29483
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Commercial Electrician in Wingate, NC

If you own a business, you should already know that at some point, you will need to hire an electrician in Wingate to fix electrical issues and maintain your property's wiring systems. Unfortunately, many people forego certified, experienced electricians to save money. The reality is, trying to fix an electrical issue in your business is no small task and often costs more money than hiring a professional. Working with electricity can be dangerous to your property and, more importantly, your health.

It might seem like a good idea to try a DIY approach or call your "do it all" local handyman, but going pro will save you time and money when it comes to serious projects like thermal imaging and three-phase panel installations. Think about it: why spend money buying expensive supplies and countless hours watching electrical repair videos when there's a good chance you'll need professional help in the end? Many DIY electricians have good intentions but often end up damaging electrical systems worse than before.

At Engineered Electrical Solutions, we get the job done right the first time, so you can focus on enjoying running your business while we fix your electrical problem. We bring the same level of quality and reliability to every job we perform, whether it's a routine safety inspection or an entire commercial rewiring project. Unlike some electricians in South Carolina, we go above and beyond to ensure our customers are safe and satisfied with our work. We pride ourselves on keeping customers informed throughout their electrical job and follow up on our projects to make sure our fixes stick.

Service Areas

At the end of the day, excellent customer care is what we strive to achieve. We do so by providing the highest quality commercial services at affordable prices, all year long. Here are just a few reasons why Lowcountry residents trust Engineered Electrical Solutions:

  • We Have Decades of Electrical Repair Experience
  • We Offer Customer-Centric Electrical Services
  • We Treat Your Property Like Our Own
  • Our Electricians Provide Quality, Efficient Work
  • We Are Licensed, Bonded, and Insured Electricians in South Carolina
  • Commercial Electrician Services
  • Industrial Electrician Services

If you're looking for the very best electrician in South Carolina, put down the pen and paper and look no further than Engineered Electrical Solutions. Keep reading to learn more about some of our most popular services.

Commercial Electrician Wingate, NC

Your Trustworthy Commercial Electrician in Wingate

Having a reliable electrician on hand that you can trust with electrical repairs is of utmost importance when you own a business in South Carolina. For years, Engineered Electrical Solutions has provided business owners with the most effective electrical repair and installation services in the Lowcountry. Our team is adept at assisting businesses of all sizes, from small "mom and pop" shops to industrial plants and everything in between.

 Commercial Electrical Wingate, NC

We offer a wide range of electrical services, from electrical panel installation and business rewiring to transformer installation and thermal imaging. Modern businesses count on energy-efficient electricity to help run their day-to-day operations. If you need your electrical systems to run smoothly so you can stay focused on building your business, count on Engineered Electrical Solutions to be there when you need us the most.

A few of our most popular commercial and industrial electrical services include but are not limited to:

  • Parking Lot Light Installation
  • Transformer Installation
  • Electrical Safety Inspections
  • Circuit Testing for Businesses
  • Electrical Grounding for Businesses
  • Preventative Maintenance for Electrical Equipment
  • Generator and Motor Insulation Resistance Analysis
  • Electrical Wiring for New Businesses
  • Electrical Troubleshooting for Businesses
  • Electrical Service Upgrades
  • Ongoing Maintenance Plans for Vital Electrical Equipment

Why is Hiring a Commercial Electrician in Wingate, NC, a Good Idea?

As a business owner, you know first-hand that closing your doors costs money, time, and possibly your clients. That's why, when you have an electrical issue that must be remedied, you need quick, cost-efficient help so you can keep running your business. But trusting the job of a trained electrician in the hands of an amateur can be a big mistake.

Sure, your uncle may know how to flip a few switches on the breaker in your home, but serving a commercial business is an entirely different animal. In fact, trusting your company's electrical needs to just anyone can end up costing you more in the long run. Here are just a few of the most important reasons to consider hiring an experienced commercial electrical contractor.

 Electrician Near Me Wingate, NC

Adherence to South Carolina Electrical Codes

Did you know there is a litany of regulations and codes you must follow when servicing electrical components in a commercial setting? From remodels to maintenance, a knowledgeable electrician will know these codes in and out. If they don't, they've got the reference material and support to ensure their work is up to standard. Taking the time to hire a commercial electrical company with vetted technicians means you don't have to worry about legal fines and reprimands for not adhering to regulations associated with common services like commercial lighting installations and upgrades.

 Electrician Wingate, NC

Specialized Skills and Advanced Training

In general, a commercial electrical contractor in Wingate, NC, must undergo extensive training and pass more tests in order to practice their trade in South Carolina. Like their counterparts in the residential electrical business, they must both pass exams and complete apprenticeships. But commercial electricians have more in-depth training. They must also prove their knowledge of the National Electrical Code, or NEC, which encompasses safety procedures and building codes in the U.S. The advanced training that commercial electricians complete sets the foundation for services such as:

 Electrical Repair Wingate, NC
  • Commercial Electrical Panel Maintenance and Replacement
  • Emergency Electrical Services for Businesses, Warehouses, Facilities, Etc.
  • Commercial Wiring and Electrical Component Installation
  • Commercial Retrofits
  • Commercial Renovations, Remodels, and Electrical for New Construction
  • Much More

When you break it down to the basics, commercial electricians in the Lowcountry require more experience because of factors like safety, complexity, and reliability. It's not unusual for a contractor to complete over 4,000 hours of on-the-job experience, to learn about complicated topics like voltage and phase balancing, control systems, and phase diagrams.

Avoid Electrical Hazards

If you're like most people, you hire professionals like corporate lawyers, helicopter pilots, and commercial electricians to handle the things you don't have the skills to do yourself. Because, if we're being honest, many services provided by commercial electrical contractors are dangerous and even downright deadly. While you can find "How-To" articles that insist that this type of work is simple, taking on an electrical project for your business can have catastrophic consequences - both for your business and for the family you're supporting.

Hiring a commercial electrician for your business safeguards you, your employees, and your business. That's because they're trained to spot commercial electrical hazards and have the tools to fix the problem correctly and according to South Carolina regulations.

 Electrical Panel Installation Wingate, NC
 Electrical Safety Inspection Wingate, NC

Minimize Cost

Some business owners make it a point to hire non-professionals to handle their electrical work, thinking they'll save money in the long run. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Cutting corners and hiring unlicensed friends or family members creates hazards that will set your company back much more than it would to hire a qualified commercial electrician. Mistakes are costly and often end up with you having to close your business while they're corrected. This downtime will affect your ability to do business and may even affect your brand loyalty and customer base.

5 Tips for Lowering Your Commercial Energy Costs

Energy mismanagement - it's one of the most common ways that businesses lose unnecessary money every year. Though every business in South Carolina will eventually face some sort of energy waste, that doesn't mean you have to settle for expenses you can prevent. At Engineered Electrical Solutions, we're all about supporting our fellow business owners. To help you reduce electrical costs, follow these five tips.

light
01

Upgrade Your Lights

In terms of low-cost solutions, this one is among the best. If you've been using incandescent bulbs throughout your business, try installing compact fluorescents instead. They can last 9x longer and save you money over time. While you're at it, remove any incandescent lights powering exit signs in your building. Replace them with LED alternatives.

Lighting Control
02

Efficient Lighting Control Plans

Did you grow up in a household where your mom or dad constantly reminded you to turn off the lights when you're done in a room? That same basic principle holds true here. If lights are left on unnecessarily, be sure they're turned off before closing for the day. If you find that doesn't help, you may need to develop a shift-based system to turn off lights. Our team of commercial electricians for your business in cityname, state, have the expertise to help you establish a system to lower energy waste without affecting your company's productivity.

HVAC Maintenance
03

Perform HVAC Maintenance

According to the Small Business Administration, HVAC use accounts for nearly 40% of energy use in commercial buildings. It's clear, then, that poor-performing HVAC systems can rack up monthly energy costs quickly. To prevent this from getting out of control, make sure your AC and heating units are well-maintained and free of expensive issues. You may want to also consider installing programmable thermostats, which can automatically control the temperature settings on your property to help maximize your energy savings.

Insulate
04

Insulate

The EPA states that keeping your commercial building properly insulated can save you as much as 10% on your energy bill. Don't settle for obvious areas like walls and windows. Be sure your electrical outlets, pipes, and HVAC ducts are properly insulated too.

Energy Management
05

Consider an Energy Management System

At Engineered Electrical Solutions, we can provide you with an energy audit for your business that pinpoints areas of energy waste and how those areas can be improved. Having an electrical assessment is a great idea for any business owner, especially if you have a storefront where customers come and go because it can help lower your overall operational costs.

Common Commercial Electrical Issues

Commercial and industrial-sized buildings are large and complex by the nature of their construction. By proxy, commercial buildings have complicated wiring and electrical systems. Electrical work in the commercial market is best left to experienced, licensed professionals. If you're looking for the very best commercial electricians in Metro Wingate, Engineered Electrical Solutions is here to serve you.

We have completed hundreds of commercial electrician projects for companies like Blue Oyster Restaurant, Shell Gas Stations, Flex Warehouses, Dentist Offices, and many more. With the most up-to-date equipment and years of professional experience, our team is ready to tackle your electrical problem, no matter how large.

 Electrical Safety Upgrades Wingate, NC

Here are just a few of the common electrical issues that we solve for Lowcountry business owners:

 Electrical Service Upgrades Wingate, NC

Tripped Circuit Breakers

Your businesses' electrical system will trip when it has too much electricity running through it. These problems are very common in commercial properties and usually stem from one of three culprits: circuit overloads, short circuits, and ground fault surges. Obviously, when your circuits are tripped regularly, your business operations suffer. To help solve your circuit breaker problems, our commercial electricians will come to your location for in-depth troubleshooting. Once we discover the root cause, we'll get to work on repairing your circuit breaker, so you can continue working and serving your customers.

 Electrician For My Business Wingate, NC

Flickering Lights

Like tripped circuit breakers, dimming or flickering lights are among the most common commercial electrical problems in South Carolina. These issues typically stem from poor electrical connections. These poor connections will usually cause sparks, which can start fires and wreak havoc on your commercial building. While dimming lights might seem minor, if you leave this problem to fester, you could be looking at permanent damage to your businesses' electrical systems. Given the danger involved in fixing this problem, it's important that you work with a licensed business electrician like Engineered Electrical Solutions as soon as you're able to.

 Safety Inspection Wingate, NC

Dead Power Outlets

Dead power outlets aren't always dangerous, unlike other recurring commercial electrical issues. They are, however, disruptive to your company's productivity. Dead outlets are common in older commercial buildings and are often caused by circuit overloads. Connecting multiple high-wattage devices and appliances to the same power socket can cause overheating. When the power outlet overheats, it can lead to tripped circuit breakers. In some cases, the live wire catches fire and burns until it is disconnected. For a reliable solution using high-quality switches, sockets, and circuit breakers, it's best to hire a professional business electrician to get the job done right.

Residential Electrician vs. Commercial Electrician in Wingate: What's the Difference?

Finding a real-deal, qualified commercial electrician in South Carolina is harder than you might think. Whether it's due to availability or budget, you might be tempted to hire a residential electrician for your commercial electrical problem. While it's true that great residential electricians can help solve commercial issues in theory, it's always best to hire a business electrician with professional experience.

Unlike their residential colleagues, commercial electricians are licensed to deal with different materials and procedures suited specifically for businesses. Commercial wiring is much more complex than other wiring and is strategically installed with maintenance, repair, and changes in mind. Additionally, commercial properties usually use a three-phase power supply, necessitating more schooling, skills, and technical ability to service.

The bottom line? If you're a business owner with commercial electricity problems, it's best to work with a licensed commercial electrician, like you will find at Engineered Electrical Solutions.

Professional and Efficient from Call to Technician

Engineered Electrical Solutions has built its reputation on a simple formula: give our customers the highest-quality commercial electrical services, the most helpful customer service, and the best prices available in town.

As a veteran-owned and operated business, we take pride in good old-fashioned hard work and dedication to our craft. No upselling. No misleading fine print. Only quality electrical work and reliable commercial electricians in Wingate, NC.

We want to be sure every one of our customers is satisfied, which is why we offer a three-year guaranteed on our labor. If you're in need of a commercial electrician for your business or organization, give our office a call and discover the Engineered Electrical Solutions difference.

phone-number843-735-2275

Free Estimate

Latest News in Wingate, NC

Wingate approves plan to fix railroad crossings

WINGATE, N.C. — There’s a new plan to prevent train crashes at certain railroad crossings in a Union County community.For years, tractor-trailers have gotten stuck on the tracks at the North Main Street crossing.“It’s been a regular occurrence here,” said resident Kevin Stewart.PREVIOUS: VIDEO: Tra...

WINGATE, N.C. — There’s a new plan to prevent train crashes at certain railroad crossings in a Union County community.

For years, tractor-trailers have gotten stuck on the tracks at the North Main Street crossing.

“It’s been a regular occurrence here,” said resident Kevin Stewart.

PREVIOUS: VIDEO: Train slams into tractor-trailer at railroad crossing in Wingate

Stewart sent video to Channel 9 showing a truck stuck on the North Main crossing just last week, and there were two more train collisions in January -- both happened the same week at the same crossing.

Wingate Mayor Garry Hamill said the crashes happen because the grade on the track is too high for certain trucks to come through, and it causes the trucks to get stuck.

Many in the Wingate community have become more and more concerned over the years as Channel 9 has reported on the issue, but there are new proposals on the table that aim to put a stop to this.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposed changes to both the North Main Street and Bivens Street crossings at a town meeting in March. NCDOT suggested lowering the grade of the of the railroad crossing and adding sidewalks.

ALSO READ: Community holds vigil for Wingate University student-athlete fatally struck by train

The fix would cost $1.1 million and the town can tap into federal funds for it.

In return, NCDOT wants to shut down the North Stewart Street crossing.

Town commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday night to shut down the Stewart Street crossing so the North Main side can be fixed.

It is a 12-to-18-month project and some residents told leaders they are worried about the closure.

North Main Street will have to be raised on both sides of the tacks and new rail signal equipment will be installed.

The mayor of Wingate said the closure will take getting used to but it will be worth it.

“I think, at the end of the day, everybody will understand the decision we made,” Hammil said. “NCDOT says there will be a 3-mile detour for trucks but the mayor tells me word has already spread to truck drivers about this issue and less are choosing this route as a result.

(WATCH BELOW: VIDEO: Train slams into tractor-trailer at railroad crossing in Wingate)

Wingate University welcomes diverse student body

Summer is over, at least at Wingate University. Nervous excitement permeated campus this week as residence halls filled up with students, many settling in for their first semester at college. Classes began on Aug. 17.The projected numbers show about 900 first-time students, including a record number of transfer students (around 120). Official enrollment figures are expected next month.The number of students transferring to Wingate University has risen sharply in the past few years, with this fall’s total doubling the numb...

Summer is over, at least at Wingate University. Nervous excitement permeated campus this week as residence halls filled up with students, many settling in for their first semester at college. Classes began on Aug. 17.

The projected numbers show about 900 first-time students, including a record number of transfer students (around 120). Official enrollment figures are expected next month.

The number of students transferring to Wingate University has risen sharply in the past few years, with this fall’s total doubling the number who transferred in for the fall 2020 semester.

The increase is due in part to the Gateway Scholarship program, which enables students who have earned an associate degree from one of six community colleges in North Carolina (South Piedmont, Central Piedmont, Stanly, Richmond, Blue Ridge and Rowan-Cabarrus) to attend Wingate for no more than $2,500 a year in tuition.

Cory Pierre, a freshman from Long Island, N.Y., drove down Aug. 13 with his parents. After visiting a number of schools in the South in hopes of competing in track and field, Pierre, a sprinter, chose Wingate.

“I really liked the area,” Pierre said. “I liked the town of Wingate, and also the school’s diversity.”

Wingate is welcoming its most diverse population of first-time undergraduate students ever, with the final total expected to be majority-minority for the first time. In addition, 41% are eligible for Pell Grants.

First-year enrollment is expected to be roughly identical to last year, after a couple of down years during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Geographically, about half of first-time students are from North Carolina. Kayman Forte, a freshman track athlete from Charlotte, said that Wingate was one of his top three schools and that it felt like the right choice for him.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what the athletic program is like,” said Forte, a long jumper who plans to major in exercise science.

All told, Wingate will be home to 265 international students this academic year. That represents an increase of 50 students from last year.

Returning students, who moved in a day after freshmen, may have noticed a few refurbishments that took place over the summer. In the Burris building, several offices and the lobby have received a makeover. The baseball field and fieldhouse are in the process of being renovated, and several buildings (the Batte Center, Hayes, South Village, Hendricks, McIntyre, Lowery, PawPost, and the fieldhouse and press box at Irwin Belk Stadium) have new roofs.

'I don’t want to see a Band-Aid put on it' | Wingate railroad crossing construction improvements expected, but not until summer 2025

The area needs to be flattened out so trucks can safely pass over but it will take years before construction work gets underway.WINGATE, N.C. — The State Department of Transportation continues to survey railroad crossing sites in the town of Wingate, where there have been several incidents of trucks getting stuck on the tracks.The track is at a pretty steep p...

The area needs to be flattened out so trucks can safely pass over but it will take years before construction work gets underway.

WINGATE, N.C. — The State Department of Transportation continues to survey railroad crossing sites in the town of Wingate, where there have been several incidents of trucks getting stuck on the tracks.

The track is at a pretty steep part of the road, and that is where trucks are getting lodged. The area needs to be flattened out so trucks can safely pass over but it will take years before construction work gets underway.

The trucks getting stuck on the railroad crossings are a concern for people who live and work in the area.

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“You can see trucks struck there and trains hitting them and it flies all over," Paula Hunter, a local resident, said. "It’s a lot of them."

Police shared one incident via Facebook on July 22. The town posted this image of a truck hit by a train on June 8.

Jay Moncrief is the owner of a custom tattoo shop just a few feet away from the tracks. It's incidents like these that have him on edge.

“I’m afraid that one day something is going to happen, they are going to derail, and something is going to come flying through my building,” Moncrief said.

NCDOT said warning signs like the “low ground clearance” and others that say “no trucks” have been added across train tracks to prevent truckers from crossing.

“We've also put-up signage to show a safe detour route for those trucks if they're coming off the Monroe bypass and come into places that are along businesses on the 74,” said Jahmal Pullen, Rail Division, Engineering Coordination and Safety Manager for NCDOT.

The department is also working towards making construction improvements to the roadways. The goal is to smooth out the roadway near the crossings so trucks can safely travel over the tracks.

“The stages that we're in now is getting the survey, getting the agreements in place, and then developing the plan,” Pullen said.

Some residents feel the signage is not doing enough.

“The truck traffic still comes down this street,” Hunter said.

Moreover, construction is not anticipated to start for two more years -- in August 2025 at the earliest.

“I don’t want to see a Band-Aid put on it,” Hunter said. “I think it needs to be fixed right. Trucks are being torn apart.”

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“I don’t know why it can't be done sooner... it is pretty important,” Moncrief said. “Trucks are getting hit and people are going to die soon.”

Meanwhile, NCDOT launched its BeRailSafe initiative to educate folks about railroad safety. It includes reminders like to never stop your car on the tracks. If a vehicle is stopped on the track there is a blue sign on the crossing gate which has a phone number to call for emergencies.

The goal of the program is to spread awareness of the dangers of trespassing on railroad tracks. Pullen said railroad crossing safety is important to NCDOT.

“We work closely with law enforcement, emergency response, fire departments, to help them understand how to be able to respond to a rail emergency,” Pullen said.

The statewide initiative is bringing training programs to public schools to educate and promote rail safety. This includes following the rules of the rail crossing signs.

“The only place we want people to cross the tracks is at a railroad crossing,” Pullen said. “Not in any other location. It's a very dangerous corridor to be in.”

Pullen added to keep in mind railroad tracks are private property. Trespassers can be arrested or fined. NCDOT hopes the program will increase general railroad awareness and curb risky behavior.

“Almost every incident we see, whether that's a fatality, or an injury, when it comes to the railroad, right away is preventable. But we need people to be aware,” he said.

NCDOT said it is important for parents to educate their kids to not walk, play or be on railroad tracks for any reason. It is not only illegal but it is also dangerous.

BeRailSafe reminds people to follow these safety tips:

NCDOT outlines rough timeline for elevated Wingate railroad crossing repair

WINGATE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – The town of Wingate will have to wait upwards of two years before specific construction to fix the three elevated railroad crossing points begins.The crossing at Belvin, Stuart, and Main Street at the three focal points, with most of the work expected to be done on the Stuart and Main Street locations, which have caused the most hang-ups. ...

WINGATE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – The town of Wingate will have to wait upwards of two years before specific construction to fix the three elevated railroad crossing points begins.

The crossing at Belvin, Stuart, and Main Street at the three focal points, with most of the work expected to be done on the Stuart and Main Street locations, which have caused the most hang-ups.

NCDOT predicts construction to even out the roads will begin around August of 2025, but Wingate townspeople will begin to see some work begin sooner.

“It wouldn’t look like nothing would be happening until August 2025. You will see some poles being moved,” explained NCDOT Engineer Jahmel Rullen.

Since the train collision with a stuck truck in June, NCDOT has added warning signs which prohibit 18-wheelers from crossing the elevated tracks.

However, Thursday afternoon, Queen City News crews spotted at least one 18-wheeler pass over the Main Street crossing twice.

The current timeline from NCDOT includes major research and planning from a variety of departments.

Currently, NCDOT crews are in the surveying phase.

They have been investigating what sits above ground around the elevated sites and what sits below them.

This also includes discussions with utility companies who may need to move certain equipment, such as powerline poles or underground wires.

Rullen explained this is one of the most crucial phases. “The last thing we want to do is to not know and then hit something. . . [This] gives us an understanding of everything that’s out there.”

This phase is expected to be completed by the end of September.

This will move NCDOT into its Right of Way Planning and Environmental Documentation.

The ROW Planning will consist of work between NCDOT and utility companies to plan which equipment could be moved, where it will go, and who owns the property to which it will need to be moved.

While there is concern from those in the community of major impacts to their own property lines, Rullen predicts that any movements will be minimal.

He said, “We’ve got to let the utilities know, ‘Hey, this curb is going to move back a foot. How is that going to affect you?’ ‘Well, we’re going to need to be our guidewires back four feet to hold those poles in’ . . . I wouldn’t suspect with this project that we will be needing ten feet of someone’s front yard.”

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This is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with utility companies spending much of 2024 moving the necessary equipment.

All of these phases will be impacted by each other, as NCDOT looks to not only even out the spots over the crossing but also to replace the crossing guard arms to match the new height.

NCDOT does not predict any delays due to construction materials, with that planning and acquirement happening during the planning phases.

The predicted timeline is to begin construction to smooth out the crossing by August 2025.

Though discussions are ongoing between CXS, NCDOT has discussed ways to avoid disrupting the railroad companies that pass through Wingate multiple times a day.

An exact date for completing the construction is too far out to predict.

The town of Wingate, NCDOT, and CXS have drafted an agreement regarding the project.

When asked for a copy of it, NCDOT responded with:

“The agreement between NCDOT and the Town of Wingate and the freight railroad CSX is in draft form and will not be executed until after NCDOT’s August BOT meeting occurring during the week of Aug. 7.

“If approved, it would be sent out for execution, meaning it would go to the Town of Wingate and CSX to sign off on. After those steps, we would be able to provide you with a copy.”

Wingate residents concerned after two train crashes occur within span of a week

Twice now in the past week, a train has collided with a truck stuck on the tracks.WINGATE, N.C. (WBTV) - WBTV is on your side, digging deeper into why so many trucks are getting stuck on railroad tracks in Union County.Twice in the past week trains have plowed into trucks, both of which were caught on camera.The trouble spot is on Main Street in the town of Wingate.The town manager of said that particular railroad crossing has been an issue for years now, but back-to-back crashes have heightened the need for cha...

Twice now in the past week, a train has collided with a truck stuck on the tracks.

WINGATE, N.C. (WBTV) - WBTV is on your side, digging deeper into why so many trucks are getting stuck on railroad tracks in Union County.

Twice in the past week trains have plowed into trucks, both of which were caught on camera.

The trouble spot is on Main Street in the town of Wingate.

The town manager of said that particular railroad crossing has been an issue for years now, but back-to-back crashes have heightened the need for changes.

“I heard two big booms last night,” Wingate resident Gayle Smith said. “I hope somebody can figure it out and come to some conclusion to fix apparently what the problem is.”

Trucks getting stuck on the tracks has become a common occurrence in the area. People in Wingate blame the bypass for contributing large trucks driving down Main Street.

“It’s almost surreal,” Brad Sellers, Wingate Town Manager, said. “It seems that’s what’s driving the trucks through town, they get on the bypass in Marshville and the first place they can get off, if they don’t want to be on the bypass, is in Wingate.”

WBTV searched the through Federal Rail Administration site data and found no history of train accidents at this site within the past five years.

Sellers said more than 20 trucks have gotten stuck on the specific section of track over the past three years.

Local leaders and residents fear the next train versus truck crash could involve one carrying hazardous chemicals, which could turn into devastation for the town.

“Obviously, we’ve been able to stop the trains, most of them have happened during the day,” Sellers said.

It was too late to stop the train last week and Wednesday night.

So what’s causing trucks to get stuck?

“These two specific incidents is the landing gear on the trailers themselves, there was not enough clearance and [they] got hung on the rail,” Sellers said.

From the naked eye, you can see the rails are higher than the road which makes it challenging for large trucks to cross. Warning signs line the road leading up to the rail crossing where both incidents happened.

The town points to CSX and the state department of transportation which owns the roadway.

“We’re fighting two large bureaucracies with CSX and with the NCDOT and we just need help,” Sellers said.

“I’m sure everybody in Wingate would like for it to be fixed, whatever fixed mean, and you know, whoever fix it or gets it fixed, good for them,” Smith said.

Following the incidents, the NCDOT issued the statement below:

NCDOT reviewed this location in coordination with the Town of Wingate in the past . It was determined the road on either side of the tracks would need to be raised and the rail signal equipment on site would need to be replaced, too. This project estimate was $1.1 million a few years ago, so it’s likely that cost has increased. At this time, a funding source has not been identified.

In the interim, the department has worked to help redirect truck drivers around the crossing through their navigation systems. We will continue to explore other options with the town as investigations into the recent crashes continue.”

CSX also released a statement of its own:

“At CSX, safety is our highest priority. CSX works relentlessly to prevent railroad related injuries and accidents through education, enforcement, engineering and advocacy at all levels. Our goal is zero accidents, so one crossing collision is too many. We want everyone to return home to their families safely, whether they work for us or live in the communities we serve. CSX oversees the maintenance of railroad crossings on our network, however, state and/or local road authorities, not CSX, maintain roadway approaches and determine the type of crossing that is appropriate at each public crossing location. CSX has always and will continue to maintain open lines of communication and work with local and state officials to identify crossings that are ideal candidates for safety improvements, consolidation and most importantly, closure. Closing at-grade crossings will improve public safety by eliminating the risk of crossing collisions, however, the authority to close or improve safety at crossings on public roads rests with the state and local municipalities, not the railroads.

CSX supports the consolidation of crossings on our network by offering incentives, such as a match of available federal funding. We are committed to reducing the number of at-grade crossings on our network, because in our view the safest railroad crossing is one that doesn’t exist. We urge all drivers to pay attention and adhere to the posted low ground clearance warning signs, ensuring that vehicles can safely and sufficiently clear the highway profile conditions.”

Related: Train and tractor-trailer collide in Wingate for second time in a week

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