Railroad or Highway Relocation

Relocating a rail line or highway may be considered as a design option to:
  • Improve operational problems caused by
    occupied
     crossings.
  • Improve environmental characteristics (ie., train horns, pollution, etc.).
  • Improve safety by reduction of at-grade crossings.
  • Use existing right of way for the rail line or highway for another public purpose.
Railroad relocation generally involves the complete rebuilding of railroad facilities, including the acquisition of new right of way. Designers should strive to avoid at-grade crossings on relocated rail lines. Zoning the property adjacent to the railroad as light and heavy industrial further isolates the railroad corridor from residential and commercial activity. Businesses and industries desiring rail service can
relocate
 in this area.
Planning for highway relocations should consider routes that would eliminate rail-highway intersections by avoiding the need for access over railroad tracks or by providing grade separations.