Section 2: Crossing Closures and Consolidations

Introduction

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:
  • Any at-grade crossings that may be closed.
  • Any at-grade crossings that may be improved.
  • Any at-grade crossings that can be grade separated.
  • Traffic analysis of the proposed roadway network.

General Considerations

Several
 considerations may influence the decision to eliminate a rail-highway at-grade crossing:
  • Traffic analysis of proposed roadway network.
  • Density of crossings, especially when closer than
    a quarter of a
     mile apart.
  • Support from local community.
  • Sight distance restrictions.
  • Traffic and train counts.
  • Roadway speed limit.
  • Train speed.
  • Number of lanes.
  • Number of tracks.
  • Trains occupying the crossing.
  • Roadway profile.
  • Roadway
    surface
     (paved or
    unpaved
    ).
  • Adjacent traffic signals or intersections.
  • Emergency vehicle routing.
  • Economic consequences related to businesses or anticipated growth.
  • Crash history and analysis.
  • 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.