Over four hours after a Norfolk Southern train was left abandoned between Ohio Route 304 and Seifert-Lewis Road in Hubbard Township, traffic was back moving again late Monday afternoon.

Hubbard Trustee Rick Hernandez said trains stopping on this particular railroad track is pretty common, but the instances only last about 30 minutes. In this case, it will last at least six hours, or until 4 p.m. on Monday. That is when a new conductor was expected to arrive to move the train after it was left at 10 a.m.

Hernandez claimed Norfolk Southern has not contacted him since Monday morning about updates on when a new engineer and conductor crew could arrive.

The train was left behind because of what is commonly called "The 12 Hour Rule" followed by train conductors. The conductor of the stranded train could not operate the locomotive without a break after hitting 12 hours of driving. 

"If that's the case, that train should've never left the yard," Hernandez said.

Passengers have been turning around upon approaching the tracks from either direction. 

Hernandez worries that an ambulance or fire truck would one day face the same problem if something isn't done to solve it.

"We have many times asked for infrastructure over our roads, maybe bridges, to alleviate this type of situation," says Hernandez. "I believe the rail industry has the money, do they want to do it? That's another question."

Norfolk Southern's Media Relations Manager, Connor Spielmaker released a statement on the situation. The statement is as follows:

"We never want to inconvenience a member of the community with a blocked crossing. Our railroad plays a vital role in the nation's supply chain, helping to move the goods that power our economy and reach store aisles and home doorsteps."

"We are working hard to keep our trains moving efficiently and minimize these types of impacts - while prioritizing safety and within regulation governing our crews. We want to continue to value our dialogue with local officials on local solutions that benefit the community."