Section 2: Crossing Closures and Consolidations
Anchor: #i1005129Introduction
In the interest of public safety, TxDOT, local entities and the railroad companies strive to consolidate or close at-grade crossings. When consolidation or closure is not an option, they strive to deploy other operational or safety improvements to improve safety at railroad at-grade crossings.
When proposing crossing closures within a community, the corridor of crossings over the same rail line should be considered. The corridor should be evaluated for:
- Anchor: #LIHNOFUP
- Any at-grade crossings that may be closed. Anchor: #SQDKMUYW
- Any at-grade crossings that may be improved. Anchor: #EDTMPEAC
- Any at-grade crossings that can be grade separated. Anchor: #OETBNDXE
- Traffic analysis of the proposed roadway network.
General Considerations
Several considerations may influence the decision to eliminate a rail-highway at-grade crossing:
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- Traffic analysis of proposed roadway network. Anchor: #IFDBMTYK
- Density of crossings, especially when closer than a quarter of a mile apart. Anchor: #FWOICEPK
- Support from local community. Anchor: #VCTWLXEI
- Sight distance restrictions. Anchor: #GBQJGWEC
- Traffic and train counts. Anchor: #BFTNEKCK
- Roadway speed limit. Anchor: #CYKYRFSP
- Train speed. Anchor: #DWJBXXBM
- Number of lanes. Anchor: #NWCAADFS
- Number of tracks. Anchor: #FGGOPVCO
- Trains occupying the crossing. Anchor: #PNOKNNUN
- Roadway profile. Anchor: #VODEWQEL
- Roadway surface (paved or unpaved). Anchor: #AYSCUJNH
- Adjacent traffic signals or intersections. Anchor: #QYAQWECA
- Emergency vehicle routing. Anchor: #QBLCMBBY
- Economic consequences related to businesses or anticipated growth. Anchor: #RCPGSKIO
- Crash history and analysis. Anchor: #IJVGLMVP
- Track abandonments or out-of-service tracks.
Authorization of a Crossing Closure
Once a crossing has been identified for closure and the local government is in agreement, the local government shall authorize the closure by passing a resolution or ordinance.