PARIS — The St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad Co. isn’t concerned about walking traffic or people driving to the gravel pits down Gravel Pit Road, Board of Selectmen Chairman Sam Elliot said Monday. However, it does want ATVs and snowmobiles to use a separate crossing.

Elliot said that after speaking with consultant Allan H. Bartlett, who represents the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad Co., he had sorted out the railroad company’s opinion on who could use the private crossing meant for town and gravel pit use.

“The railroad people have no problem with people walking over, driving over. They’ll accept that. There’s not enough traffic for them to be concerned,” Elliot said.

The crossing has been used for years, but the railroad only learned of it last year. It demanded a $1,500 annual easement fee and a one-time $300 fee for the preparation of a commercial crossing agreement. Selectmen agreed to split the $1,800 cost with David Everett, owner of E.C.I. Materials.

The road to the town gravel pit runs through Everett’s land. The X-Tra Mile ATV Club also uses the crossing as part of its trail system. Earlier this year, Everett blocked off use of his right of way to ATV users, citing concern that he could be held liable if they were hurt on the tracks.

Selectmen ruled that because the road was a public right of way, Everett couldn’t block it to ATV traffic. Since then, the ATV club has been pursuing making a separate agreement for a recreational crossing. The issue has spawned months of debate on who can use the gravel pit, the right of way and the crossing.

There was concern that people who cross the tracks to access the banks of the Little Androscoggin could be shut out, too.

“This is a complex issue, to say the least,” Elliot told the board.

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