At 8:00am this morning i met with BNSF & MoDOT engineers to discuss the safety and problems residents have at each of the 6 locations listed below. Each road terminates onto 59 Highway from the east. Bethel Road, 60th Road, Bluff Road, 70th Road & Radio Road.
The steep approach from 59 Highway to drive over the BNSF tracks was a hugh concern and minimal ways to correct it. The tracks are elevated higher than the highway surface with a short distance between the tracks and highway's shoulder. All are concerned and are considering closure of some and upgrades to others with a possible additional road being added to ease the traffic waiting for a train to pass at one of the other crossings. Nothing has been decided. We are to meet again with fresh ideas on "access" and "safety" at each of the crossing locations.
The other location was at the Pettet Road crossing.(north of Banker's Crossing) Pettet Road terminates onto 59 highway from the west. an agreement was signed to upgrade the crossing with a wider road/crossing area, new signal lights with safety arms that will lower when a train is coming. This will reduce the chance of someone from crossing the tracks to beat the train.
This agreement was signed by BNSF representitive Cheryl Townlain, MoDOT representitive Larry Scheperle and Ron Hook Buchanan County Western District Commissioner. These upgardes should begin soon and the crossing should be out of commission for about 6 days.
Thank you all for your input and patience