Railroad Crossing Safety Improvement Projects
Background
In November 2008 the voters of Salem approved a $99.8 million Streets and Bridges General Oblication Bond Measure that included $1.212 million for Railroad Crossing Safety Improvement Projects.
Project Description
"Construct projects to improve both vehicular and pedestrian safety at street crossings with the Union Pacific and Portland & Western Railroads. Funds can be used to reduce potential for pedestrian trespassing on railroads between crossings as well. Project to be approved by City Council."
Further, if sufficient safety measures are implemented, the City could request a horn-free or railroad "quiet zone."
Process
- Staff Report to City Council, November 9, 2009
- Diagnostic Team Review, January 13, 2010
The Diagnostic Review Team is a group of representatives representing the parties involved with the ownership and management of the at-grade crossings. The Diagnostic Review Team consisted of representatives from the Federal Railroad Administration, Union Pacific Railroad, Oregon Department of Transportation Rail Division, and City of Salem.
The team made a set of recommendations for improvements for each of the intersections along the Union Pacific Railroad line between Hyacinth Avenue NE and Madrona Avenue SE.
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Railroad Advisory Committee
City Council directed staff to create an advisory committee of affected Neighborhood Associations and other entities that are affected by the railroad crossings and the railroad horn. The committee consists of representatives from CAN-DO, Grant, Highland, SESNA, Morningside, NEN, and Northgate Neighborhood Associations and also includes a representative from Willamette University, Salem-Keizer School District, Oregon Department of Administrative Services, and the Salem Chamber of Commerce.
The committee is charged with making a set of recommendations to the Mayor and City Council as to which at-grade crossings should receive safety improvements and to identify the corridor to potentially receive a "quite zone" designation.