For more information contact: Julianne Repman, Public Information, 541-388-6224
Laverne Rail Crossing to Close
State of Oregon Appeals Court Opinion Supports Closure of BNSF Railroad Crossing
The State of Oregon Appeals Court has affirmed that the Oregon Department of Transportation will close the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad crossing at Laverne Avenue in Klamath Falls to ensure motorist safety. (To view the text of the opinion, visit: http://www.publications.ojd.state.or.us/A124664.htm)
Due to the pending rail crossing closure and removal of the crossing arms, contractors for ODOT will begin work to construct cul-de-sacs to the east and west of the rail crossing on Laverne Avenue as early as Wednesday, September 14. Motorists should anticipate delays of less than five minutes when traveling through this construction area.
Once the cul-de-sac work is complete, BNSF crews will remove the rail crossing arms at Laverne Avenue and the rail crossing will permanently close to through traffic. The permanent closure of the Laverne Avenue rail crossing will take place on Monday, October 3. Signs will be installed to advise motorists of this closure.
About the Construction
Contractor crews will install cul-de-sacs to the east and to the west of the rail crossing that will ensure safe and efficient turning movements for motorists traveling in the area.
Crews will build a permanent cul-de-sac east of the Laverne Avenue/BNSF rail crossing near the Wal-Mart store. All of the businesses located east of the rail crossing will remain accessible via Washburn Way.
A temporary cul-de-sac will be built to the west of the Laverne Avenue/BNSF rail crossing. Crews will return in the spring of 2006 to install a permanent cul-de-sac at this location. The west-side cul-de-sac will be designed to allow for turning movements of large trucks that frequent businesses west of the railroad crossing. All of the businesses located to the west of the railroad will remain accessible via Tingley Lane.
BNSF will provide $88,000 to fund the construction of the cul-de-sacs. BNSF applied to ODOT for closure of the rail crossing in 2002.
Motorists are reminded to slow down and be aware of workers when traveling through this construction zone.
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