McFry Lane in Shannon could be reopened for traffic as early as today, but will likely be closed for good by Thanksgiving.

Floyd County Public Works Director Michael Skeen said crews are working on a bridge and installing cross drains as part of an agreement with the state and Norfolk Southern Railroad.

The county agreed last year it would close the railroad crossing at McFry Lane in exchange for a safety upgrade at the Pinson Road crossing.

“As part of the deal, we agreed to raise the roadbed to keep it from flooding,” Skeen said. “We’re doing the work while the (railroad crossing) is still open, so residents have another way to get in and out.”

The construction area — closed Monday — is just east of Gaines Road. Drivers can use either Gaines or Pinson roads to avoid the site.

Norfolk-Southern already has installed bells and gates at the more heavily traveled Pinson Road crossing, and county crews will be adjusting the road’s alignment.

Skeen said both crossings were potentially dangerous.

“We’re losing a crossing, but we’re also losing two bad safety issues,” he said.

The Georgia Department of Transportation is supplying up to $7,500 in federal and railroad money from a crossing-closure incentive fund to help offset the county’s costs at both sites.