BLOCKED UPRR CROSSING AT LIVE OAK AND FM2571
As many citizens are aware, the off-system bridge (built in 1936) on 4th Avenue over Gazley Creek was ordered CLOSED for public safety by the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) on November 20, 2019. As a result, a traffic detour via Live Oak at FM 2571 was established. The detour route is also where the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) operates the Live Oak railroad crossing (DOT# 416-335D…aka "Bo Peep's" crossing). With the 4th Avenue bridge closed, the Live Oak crossing is the only access point for emergency services ingress and egress to/from the homes in this area. The City has requested the UPPR take necessary measures to prevent a stationary train from blocking this crossing (e.g., conduct crew changes west of Live Oak). Until the bridge over Gazley Creek on 4th Avenue can be replaced, this is an issue of great concern to those citizens who live on the Hill (Mt. Pleasant Subdivision). The City has expressed this concern on numerous occasions and have been told the UPRR will do everything possible to ensure the crossing is not blocked by a stationary train in the future. In the interim, if the Live Oak crossing is blocked, citizens should call the UPRR emergency operations center in Omaha, NE. The toll-free number is 1-888-877-7267. Provide the UPRR engine number, time of day, and crossing ID (#416-355D).
