Take The Pledge!This Spring, the Texas Railroad Association in conjunction with GoRail, led the call in the State Legislature to give TxDOT the authority and funding they need to support grade separation projects across the state. The Texas railroad system spans over 10,500 miles of track and connects cities, rural communities, ports, industrial sites, agricultural centers, and many other facets of our economy. Texas railroads also facilitate passenger service with three Amtrak routes connecting Texas to the rest of the country. The size of this system also presents challenges. The latest data by the Federal Railroad Administration shows that Texas has the most public grade crossings of any state with over 9,800 crossings. This is 20 percent more crossings than the second highest state (Illinois, with approximately 7,800 crossings). Across the country, 2,145 highway-rail grade crossing collisions occurred in 2021, of which 247 occurred here in Texas. Unfortunately, Texas leads the country in these types of collisions. The sheer scope of the rail network combined with increasing freight rail demand and increasing traffic patterns by motorists and the trucking industry, make separating Texas’ most congested grade crossings a top priority. To assist in this endeavor, the undersigned officials, communities, and organizations have called on the Legislature to enhance mobility and public safety by appropriating the necessary funds to support local grade separation projects. Projects such as these will help communities across Texas to reduce collision statistics and make, both, roads and railroads safer. This will also diminish the number of emergency vehicles being delayed at crossings when persons have requested police, fire, or EMS assistance. These efforts will also create jobs in local communities across Texas and promote fluidity on roads and rails alike, fostering our multimodal transportation system and economic development. Investments such as these are essential to protecting Texas communities and helping continue to move freight safely and efficiently on the rail network. Join the following signees in taking the pledge and call on the Texas Legislature to support local grade separation projects. Follow the link below and join the undersigned in this call. Click Here To Take The Pledge
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Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition
