Construction started on a railroad track project in Brooke County, and the Sheriff's Office is keeping a close watch so residents beyond the tracks stay safe.

The project affects people living in the village of Louise and Leon Addition. The project blocks residents in, leaving them with no real way in or out of the community. Officials said that's obviously a big safety concern, but the sheriff said they've come up with plans for every possible emergency scenario, and residents seem to feel confident in those plans.

Wheeling-Lake Erie Railroad construction crews took to the tracks Tuesday morning, and while officials say this project is necessary to upgrade the railroad system, it also puts residents of the village of Louise at a bit of an inconvenience because the railroad crossing is the only way to get in and out.

"It will hold you up a little bit, and you have to go way around and walk clear to the top of the hill, but it's alright. It won't be that long," said Marilyn Nelson, of Louise

Officials said construction should only last until Friday and that conditions will get better each day, but in a situation like this, officials want residents to know they are their first priority.

Brooke County Sheriff Richard Ferguson said in case of an emergency, officials have to plan ahead.

"The main thing here for the Sheriff's Office is safety, safety, safety," Ferguson said. "Everybody (who is) worried about stuff, I think they'll have the confidence to know … we're here to help them out with anything they need."

Officials said if a medical emergency arises, there's a Gator vehicle ready and waiting for anyone in need. In case of a fire, the sheriff said construction crews will move their equipment and make way so fire crews can get through.

Nelson said, as a resident, those arrangements put her at ease.

"I think that's good. I think that's good because there are a lot of older people than me that live up around here," Nelson said.

Until construction wraps up, residents will have to move their vehicles to a designated area in front of the tracks between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The sheriff said there will also be an officer in the area at all times while construction is under way to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.