Union Pacific completes area railroad maintenance projects

Railroad crossing updates across the area kicked off June 19 with updates at Gessner Road, in Missouri City.

A joint collaboration between Union Pacific Railroad Company and Missouri City repaired a much-used railroad crossing at the intersection of South Gessner Road and Hwy. 90, officials from both organizations said. City officials said the concrete panels had been damaged.

“Every few years UPRR [Union Pacific Railroad] makes these repairs to restore a smoother ride at these crossings,” Missouri City officials said in an email to Community Impact Newspaper. “These two crossings see a lot of truck traffic, which in turn drives the frequency of these needed repairs.”

The repair comes as both Missouri City residents and city staff had observed the degradation at the crossing and reported the conditions to Union Pacific, Missouri City officials said.

On June 19, Missouri City and Union Pacific coordinated to shut down both vehicular and train traffic. While Union Pacific focused on the actual crossing, Missouri City was available for any needed routine maintenance outside the railroad right of way, including the surrounding road.

These repairs come as, throughout the month of July, Union Pacific also completed railroad tie repairs on Hwy. 90 at intersections including Industrial Boulevard, Schlumberger Drive, Eldridge Road, Gillingham Lane and Main Street.

A UPRC representative said the repair costs are not disclosed publicly.