Union Pacific workers finish installing a new doghouse for signal wires in Albany Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026.
On Thursday the bike took me to the Santiam Road railroad crossing in Albany just as a crew from Union Pacific wrapped up replacing the signal box that controls crossing gates and lights.
The old box — the railroad guys called it a doghouse — was destroyed Saturday night when a 26-year-old man drove into it. Police said he sustained minor injuries and was cited for driving under the influence.
The box at Santiam Road controls the crossing gates there and at six other intersections, three in each direction. The crash knocked out the gates and warning signals.
Human crossing guards were deployed at the intersections to stop traffic when trains were coming through.
On Thursday, the UP crew was waiting for a train to come through at regular speed as a test. They clocked the train, a northbound UP manifest, to make sure that the crossing signals were being activated at the right time.
Here’s how that went:
I didn’t stick around, but I trust the crossing signals and gates all worked properly. The UP crew told me Santiam Road at the crossing should be open again on Friday. (hh)
They need about 6 pipe bollards in front of that doghouse to stop stupid & drunk drivers..I bet the total cost of this was $ 100,000…..Good bye car insurance….oh my..
It is a good thing. The City was concerned because that blockage was deflecting traffic away from the nearby Flock Camera. Speeding Albanians had to speed elsewhere, affecting City revenues and Flock Camera profitability. Both parties thank the hard working men and women of Union Pacific. Either wittingly or unwittingly, the Union Pacific forged ahead in a quick turnaround of the smashed Dog House, thereby making certain City and Flock Camera Coffers would continue being filled.
The speed cameras on Santiam Road are not Flock cameras. They are operated by Verra Mobility. The city shut down its sole Flock camera months ago.
HH, Who operates or uses one’s In Lowes parking lot?
I assume this question is about cameras, not railroad signal huts. I don’t know who operates the cameras at Lowe’s. I assume it’s the store.
Thank you, Hasso, for sharing info on this and the update!
I do enjoy reading the “H.H.Perspective” on all your travels and your thoughts. Keep up the good work. Thank-You Stan Hamilton
Good thing we have convenient Telephone Booths in Albany.