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Memorandum Notes , �° opt
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To: The Commission
Subject: Weld County Road
UP RR !Grade Crossing -
Near North end of Greeley By-pass
• • By: J. L. McNeill , RR Engineer
Date: Feb. 24, 1970.
Commission interest in this location is noted in Decision No. 58081 ,
dated February 20, 1962, Application No. 18854, pertaining to construction
approval for nearby highway department overpass above Union Pacific main line
trackage. At that time it appeared future consideration would be directed
to possible closing of the County Road grade crossing.
I. Situation: ,
•
During an inspection trip in the area on Jan 12, 1970, I noted there
had been extensive expansion of the Producers Livestock building and yards
northward from the County Road on the east side of the rail line. In further
inquiry I learned that increased truck and vehicular traffic was creating a
congestion problem at the County Road intersection with US Highway 85. There
, was also congestion at the UP grade crossing du'e; to heavy vehicular traffic
during the tri-weekly• sale days at the Producers Livestock yards.
In aneffort to secure some relief for the situation, Weld County
• Commissioners had contacted Union Pacific for cost estimates to widen the
crossing roadway from 24 feet to 36 feet and relocate the north side flashing
signal . On thejbasis. of U.P. inquiry to this office, I suggested to Division
Engineer Hite that new proposal would in effect permit movement of three
lanes of traffic over the crossing -- 1 lane eastbound and 2 lanes westbound.
Hence, there would be a new need for overhead signals as guidance to motorists
on the inside traffic lane. I was assured there was no multiple train
movement over the double track and that gates would not be required.
II. Further investigation:
Following additional inquiry to the-State Highway District office at
Greeley, arrangements were made to secure a meeting with County Commissioner
Glen Billings for a joint inspection at the crossing site.
On Feb. 17, 1970, starting at 9:30 A.M. there was a discussion
meeting of the following at the Greeley District Highway office:
Wayne' Capron - Dist. Engineer
Al Chotvacs - Asst. Dist. Engn.
Glen Billings - Weld County Commr.
J. L.: McNeill - PUC.
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70 O 57'4
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Memo
The Commission
Feb. 24, 1970
Page Two
Mr. Billings explained that Weld County planned:
a. Regrade the County road to reduce the steep up-slope
eastward from the rail line.
I b. Close out the ' Car' road intersection that goes south
on east side of railroad.
I c. Back slope the hill side at east of track on north
side of roadway for additional visibility of tracks and trains.
d. Purpose of wider crossing is to secure added operating
area over the tracks for large truck movements.
In discussion of the traffic lanes, Mr. Capron recommended
a maximum crossing width of. 32 feet rather than 36 feet as proposed.
He also suggested some median curbing for single lane. channelling.
In considering snow plow operations. Mr. Billings proposed painted
pavement markings for single lane approaches on each side to the
crossing, with double lane exits from the crossing. In this manner,
westward vehicles could move away from the crossing faster and divide
for right or left turn movements at State Highway No. 85; also the
same pattern for eastward moves to the Sale yard and along the County
Road.
Personal inspection trip into the crossing area was made with
Commissioner Billings by: Chotvacs and McNeill .
Additional ramp proposals were considered. Complications
of illegal U-Turn movements were explained. There was general
agreement that relief measures are necessary.
•
• III. Conclusion:
1 There was a closing understanding to carefully limit further widening.
Weld County would look at their aerial photographs of the area.
Hwy. people to give further study to possible new. ramp work.
IV. .Remarks: •'
It isimy belief some added widening is desirable, particularly since
operating experience has shown some skidding hazards in wet and snowy weather.
Any widening must be limited to only single lane traffic over the
crossing in each direction in order to use the present flasher type signals.
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Memo i
The Commission
Feb. 24, 1970
Page Three
For movement of additional traffic volumes there must be new ramps at the
By-pass for entrance of northbound traffic and exit of southbound vehicles.
Copies to:
Wayne, Capron ) State Highway Dept.
Al Chotvacs )
Glen Billings, Weld County Commissioner
Gordon Hite, Div. Egn. UP RR
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