The Queen Avenue rail crossing features this setup, photographed on Jan. 5, 2025.
If ODOT and the railroads ever carry out their plans for the Queen Avenue crossing in Albany, I’ll quit writing about it. But the improvement project at the crossing keeps slipping further back in time.
When last I mentioned it in October, the long-delayed project looked like it might be constructed in 2025. Last month, Albany City Manager Peter Troedsson told the city council:
“This construction was originally planned to take place in 2021. However, ODOT is still working with the two railroads to finalize plans that need to be in place before work can start. ODOT’s improvements to the crossing are now anticipated to be constructed in 2026.”
Since then the Oregon Department of Transportation updated its online project page. At the end of December ODOT said construction now was estimated to begin in 2027.
The ODOT project calls for updating the crossing gates to prevent people from walking, riding or driving around the closed gates. This now happens from time to time because the present gates cover only half the street, and sometimes a stopped train on one track blocks the view of an oncoming train on another track.
The project also calls for a warning system to notify approaching traffic that the crossing is in use. This would be helpful if it gives drivers enough notice so they can take a detour rather than be stuck at the crossing.
Last summer, that section of Queen Avenue was resurfaced, but the new pavement stops short of the railroad right of way. One result is that the westbound bike lane ends abruptly.
To avoid the rock ballast and the eastern of the four tracks, bike riders have to veer into the right-hand traffic lane. That’s assuming they see the obstacle in time to prevent falling into this trap.
ODOT has billed its crossing work on Queen as a “safety improvements.” You’d think a true safety project would be urgent, not be delayed year after year. And it’s ironic that while the safety project is delayed, part of the crossing has become less safe. (hh)
Hasso, this is just typical of what happens in Albany. Please don’t quit writing about the Queen Avenue Crossing. It is a big part of navigating Albany. Thanks for the update. Who knows when the work will get done, or even if it will.
I think ODOT gets a bad wrap, when it comes to those damn bicyclist they need to pay attention to where they’re going
Blaming a cyclist for crashing on an unfinished road is like a dentist leaving a cavity untreated and then blaming the patient for getting a toothache while eating.
I don’t think I’ve ever noticed, what seems to be a lifelong project, as the Queen St. railroad crossing. It’s like the date that wouldn’t leave!! A bad Penney! Never ending story! Ground Hogs Day!
A bit like the clock on the tower at the train station, but at least that’s not a safety issue.
Can’t understand why this crossing cannot be as smooth as Old Salem Road. After resurfacing, it is still worse than an English cobblestone road.
Hasso explained a while back about the slight curve that trains have to negotiate at that Queen Ave. crossing. So, one rail has to be a little higher than the other so that trains can get through that curve. That means that the crossing will never be completely smooth.
Left-wing political failures have been ruining Oregon for decades.
Queen crossing isn’t a natural disaster. It’s a product of bureaucratic decision making.
Decades. I worked for ODOT and saw first hand how screwed up state government was when it came to policy making and decision making.
And it will only get worse until Oregonian voters wake up and realize that their Communist instincts ingrained during public education put elected officials into positions of authority who appoint ODOT “leaders” into power.
Wake up Oregonians. Hopefully it will happen in the next 2-4 years.
HH, Did you ever think it was left that way just to gripe that old man on the bicycle?
Keep up the good reporting Hasso.
Thanks for the note. Ever since moving here, that crossing is always a pain regardless in a car or bike.
If this was on the car lane it would be more quickly taken care of. Just another Albany bike hazard
Communist instincts ingrained during public education? Come on, give me a break! ODOT is not Big Brother. I hope there isn’t a widespread rabies outbreak in North Carolina, causing people to foam at the mouth.