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Public utilities

Decision No. C24-0066: Approval of Rail Crossing Safety Measures in Gilpin County, Colorado

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission has granted the Colorado Department of Transportation's (CDOT) application to install flashing light signals, gates, and bells at the crossing of Gilpin County Road 16 (GCR 16)/Tolland Road with the Union Pacific Railroad Company (UPRR) tracks. The commission deemed the application complete and granted it, finding that good cause exists to prioritize public safety. The project will cost an estimated $492,146, paid for by Section 130 funds, and is expected to be completed by December 31, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Commission granted the CDOT's application to install flashing light signals, gates, and bells at the GCR 16/Tolland Road crossing with UPRR tracks in Gilpin County, Colorado.
  • The project aims to improve public safety by addressing the high-degree skew between the roadway and the railroad, and the heavy use of the crossing by walkers, runners, and bikes.
  • The project's estimated cost is $492,146, to be paid for by Section 130 funds.
  • CDOT will inform the Commission in writing when the crossing changes are complete within ten days of project completion, with the expected date of completion being December 31, 2025.
  • CDOT and UPRR will be required to update the U.S. DOT National Inventory form for this crossing and file an updated copy of the form in this proceeding by December 31, 2025.
  • The Commission retains jurisdiction to enter further decisions as necessary.
  • The 20-day period for filing applications for rehearing, reargument, or reconsideration begins on the first day following the effective date of this Decision.
  • The Commission authorized CDOT to remove existing passive crossing signs and add new active warning devices, including flashing light signals, gates, bells, and a new signal cabin.
  • This Decision is effective as of its Mailed Date.

Statistics:

  • Estimated project cost: $492,146
  • Number of trains per day: 7
  • Maximum timetable speed: 50 MPH
  • Vehicle volume per day (VPD): 530 (projected for 5 years)
  • Number of vehicles with heavy loads or school buses: approximately 2%
  • Number of accidents at the crossing since 1975: 1
  • Most recent accident: property damage only (in 1988)
  • Project completion expected by: December 31, 2025

Sources:

  • [Decision No. C24-0066] By the Colorado Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado
  • [Notice of the Application] Mailed on December 22, 2023
  • [Application] Filed by CDOT on December 20, 2023
  • [Colorado Revised Statutes] SS 40-4-106, SS 40-6-108(2), SS 40-6-109.5, and SS 40-6-114
  • [Rules of Practice and Procedure] Rule 1403, 4 CCR 723-1
  • [U.S. Department of Transportation National Inventory form]

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