Decision No. C23-0389: Approval of Rail Crossing Safety Improvements

Strategic Insights -

The Public Utilities Commission of Colorado has approved a safety upgrade to the Railroad Avenue crossing in Weld County, where Union Pacific Railroad Company's tracks intersect with US 85. The upgrade, requested by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), includes the installation of flashing lights with gates, bells, and constant warning time circuitry, as well as the removal of passive warning signs. The upgrade aims to address visibility issues and improve safety for the 68 vehicles that use the crossing daily. CDOT estimates the cost of the project at $538,020, which will be covered by Section 130 funds.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Commission deemed the Application complete and granted the request to remove passive warning signs and install flashing light with gates, bells, constant warning time circuitry, and new signal cabinet at the crossing of Railroad Avenue.
  • The upgrade is expected to improve safety for vehicles using the crossing, which sees 68 vehicles per day, with 12 trains per day at a maximum speed of 60 MPH.
  • Vehicle volume is projected to increase to 79 VPD in five years and 90 VPD in 20 years.
  • The cost of the project is estimated at $538,020, which will be covered by Section 130 funds.
  • The upgrade aims to address visibility issues and improve safety due to the short storage distance on the west side of the crossing and two tracks that may create visibility issues of a second train.
  • The project is expected to be completed by December 31, 2025, with CDOT required to inform the Commission in writing when the crossing changes are complete.

Statistics:

  • 68 Vehicles Per Day (VPD) use the crossing daily.
  • 12 trains per day pass through the crossing at a maximum speed of 60 MPH.
  • 5% of vehicles are heavy vehicles, and 5% are school buses.
  • Estimated cost of the upgrade: $538,020.
  • Project completion date: December 31, 2025.
  • CDOT estimates a 20% increase in vehicle volume to 79 VPD in five years.
  • A 30% increase in vehicle volume is projected to 90 VPD in 20 years.
  • 6 accidents have occurred at the crossing since 1975, including 4 property damage only accidents in 2003, 2012, 2018, and 2019, and 2 injury accidents in 2005 and 2021.

Sources:

  • Decision No. C23-0389 (Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado, Dec 15, 2023)
  • Application for Authority to Remove Passive Warning Signs and Install Flashing Light with Gates, Bells, Constant Warning Time Circuitry, and New Signal Cabinet (Colorado Department of Transportation, Oct 27, 2023)
  • Rules of Practice and Procedure (Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado, 4 CCR 723-1)
  • SS 40-6-108(2), C.R.S.
  • SS 40-6-109.5, C.R.S.
  • SS 40-4-106(2)(a) and (3)(a), C.R.S.
  • 4 Code of Colorado 723-7-7301(a)