You might have noticed life is a lot less bumpy when you cross the railroad tracks these days.
That's because after years of needed repairs at three major railroad crossings near downtown, Union Pacific last week finally paved over some of the most rickety tracks in town. One set included a highly dilapidated wood crossing that a city official called "totally outdated" and "non-standard."
The railroad crossings are located on Third Street, Fourth Street and South Street - all near the intersection of McCray Street. UP isn't finished, either, because the company has pulled a permit to remove another railroad crossing altogether on Prospect Avenue, said David Rubcic, the city's civil engineer.
"It will be much safer for bicyclists and motorcycles and other forms of transportation," Rubcic said.
Those three crossings completed last week were the highest priority due to higher traffic volumes. The areas had become a series of nuisances that prompted many complaints from citizens, Rubcic acknowledged.
But the timing of the repairs, ultimately, was up to UP since the company owns the property, with the city holding easements for traffic heading over the tracks, Rubcic explained. City officials do, however, review the plans to examine traffic control and detours.
"I think that's great what they did," said Councilman Ray Friend, who represents District 1 through which the railroad line runs. "I was surprised that they committed to spend the money because that line doesn't get a lot of use."
See the full story in the Pinnacle on Friday.
Kollin Kosmicki Kollin Kosmicki is editor of the Free Lance and Pinnacle. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 337 or editor@freelancenews.com.
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