Can congestion and noise issues associated with rail crossings be eliminated by replacing crossings with overpasses or underpasses?
The ideal solution is for more overpasses or underpasses to be built on key roadways and walkways so that motorists and pedestrians can safely cross over or under the tracks without regard for when trains operate. That is how the federal highway system was built. Trains and vehicles safely pass and over and under each other without danger of collision or the need to blow a train horn. BNSF is working with states and communities across our network to close as many unnecessary at-grade crossings as possible to improve the safety and quality of life for everyone involved and building more overpasses is often an important part of that effort. Closing redundant crossings also eliminates the requirement to blow the horn at those crossings. But the key to this is the community and the state. They own the roadways, not the railroads. We encourage the public to contact their local representatives as well as Federal or state transportation agencies to learn more about funding opportunities for m
