For more information contact: Julianne Repman, Public Information, 541-388-6224
Laverne Ave. Rail X-ing To Close OCt. 3
Motorists advised to seek alternate routes around the area
The Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad crossing at Laverne Avenue in Klamath Falls will permanently close to through traffic beginning Monday, Oct. 3.
Contractor crews have installed cul-de-sacs to the east and to the west of the Laverne Avenue rail crossing to ensure safe and efficient turning movements for motorists traveling in the area. BNSF crews are expected to remove the rail crossing arms at Laverne Avenue on Monday, Oct. 3. The removal will take place once concrete barriers and barricades have been placed on either side of the rail crossing.
About the Construction
Crews have constructed a permanent cul-de-sac east of the Laverne Avenue/BNSF rail crossing near the WalMart store. All of the businesses located east of the rail crossing will remain accessible via Washburn Way.
A temporary cul-de-sac has been constructed west of the Laverne Avenue/BNSF rail crossing. Crews will return later this fall 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 applied to ODOT for closure of the rail crossing in 2002. The State of Oregon Appeals Court affirmed that the Oregon Department of Transportation would 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)
BNSF is providing $88,000 to fund the construction of the cul-de-sacs.
|