Will ODOT require automatic gates, lights and bells at any of the new Water Avenue railroad crossings being planned as part of Albany’s riverfront redevelopment project?
When it comes to fixing the Queen Avenue railroad crossing in Albany, the motto seems to be: What’s another year or two?
As you may have gathered by now, I have a thing for trains. So when the gates at a railroad crossing go down just as I get there on the bike, I welcome the delay so I can watch. Or try to get a video, like this one: This freight came through Albany a few […]
On a leisurely bike ride through old Albany the other day, I noticed something that wasn’t there. Where the Portland & Western Railroad crosses Sixth Avenue, there are no warning lights, bells or arms that come down when a train comes through.
[youtube video=”GHc_DcfEbo4″] Albany’s Queen Avenue railroad crossing has long annoyed motorists because of the condition of the pavement and frequent delays. Now comes a new complaint: The length and volume of the air horn blasts of switch engine No. 1501.
Here’s an example of how drivers might get into trouble — although this one didn’t — at the Geary Street railroad grade crossing.
At this bumpy crossing, a fix is in sight
Well, here’s a surprise likely to be welcomed by Albany motorists: After planned improvements were delayed year after year, the uneven railroad crossing on Queen Avenue now will be fixed in a matter of months.
Tags: ODOT, Oregon DOT, Portland & Western, Queen Avenue crossing, railroad crossings, Union Pacific