Modifications at six railroad crossings mean fewer train horns in Five Points

City offers plan to accommodate resulting change in traffic pattern

Trains will soon be able to move more quietly though the Five Points area of Central El Paso. As part of a joint project with Union Pacific Railroad, the City of El Paso will modify six railroad crossings, allowing trains to pass while sounding their horns less frequently.

The project requires the permanent closures of the following Union Pacific railroad crossings:

·       Maple Street

·       Birch Street

·       Cedar Street

·       Elm Street.

The following Union Pacific railroad crossings will remain open and undergo upgrades to include median improvements:

·       Piedras Street

·       Rosewood Street.

Construction which is scheduled to begin in December 2013 will be overseen by the city’s Engineering and Construction Management Department. The department has scheduled a community meeting on Wednesday, September 4, 2013, at 5:30pm, at Sunset High School, at 2851 Grant Avenue.

To accommodate the resulting change in traffic patterns in the area and to improve safety on busy the roadways, city staff recommends conversion of the following one-way streets to two-way streets:

·       Arizona Avenue from Alabama Street to Cotton Street

·       Grant Avenue from Piedras Street to Cotton Street.

Transportation planners will provide information to the community on their recommendations at Wednesday’s meeting.