Crossings to be repaired

Some of the roughest pavement in Texas is located at railroad crossings. Southeast Texas has its share of rough rides over train tracks.

However, a new project is about to kick off aimed at repairing more than 30 crossings throughout the district. One of those crossings is located on Major Drive in Beaumont at Manion. Not only is it notorious for delays, it also has a reputation for being one of the roughest crossings in the city.

Beginning later this month, TxDOT will oversee the project to repair the pavement leading up to the railroad tracks. This involves tearing out some old asphalt and replacing it with new material. In some cases, concrete will be removed and replaced.

One important note to remember in this project is that TxDOT has NO jurisdiction on the train tracks themselves. The department can make repairs to the pavement leading to and away from the tracks. However, the tracks actually belong to the railroad companies. They are solely responsible for the tracks.

A total of 34 crossings in Jefferson, Orange, Hardin, Newton and Jasper Counties will be repaired. Work is expected to be completed in about 6 months.

Marc S.