TYLER, Texas — The Tyler City Council approved the 2024 Railroad Crossing Improvements project on Wednesday.
According to the city of Tyler, the project will enhance railroad crossings for changes to downtown streets and other high-traffic areas. HDR Engineering, Inc. was awarded the contract for the project's design for $600,000.
The 2022 Downtown Traffic Study recommended that downtown streets be changed from one-way to two-way. The city of Tyler will work alongside the Union Pacific Rail Road to alter railroad crossings on East Locus Street, East Ferguson Street and East Erwin Street from one-way to two-way, an endeavor that the city estimates will take 18-24 months for plans to be approved.
"To change the Locust, Ferguson, and Erwin Street railroad crossings from one-way to two-way requires considerable coordination with UPRR and several agreements that must be negotiated," said City Engineer Darin Jennings. "HDR's experience with UPRR should make the process go smoother and more efficiently."
This project is funded by the Half-Cent Sales Tax Fund, and will include the railroad crossing at Lake Street, which the city says is frequently used by those entering the Midtown District.