DUBOIS – Representatives from Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation were on hand at Monday night’s DuBois City Council meeting to address problems with numerous railroad crossings.
According to City Manager John “Herm” Suplizio, the issues the city has had with the railroad crossings has been going on for a couple of years. One particular area of concern is who is responsible for what. Railroad crossings of particular concern were those on Liberty Boulevard, Kohlhepp’s Crossing, and DuBois Street.
Barry Caggiono, of B and P Railroad, explained that the railroad is responsible for the area in between the concrete. In other words, they are responsible for the area in between the concrete.
Caggiono said that the plan is to start with Liberty Boulevard in the first part of August. The intent is to remove the outside panels and put new rubber rail sealing along the rail. He said it would give vehicles a better transition. He also said the problem at the crossings is that the road is lower than the railway.
Karen Michael, of PennDOT, presented photos to council in order for them to better understand the areas of concern. She said their intent is to coordinate with the railroad on the project.
Suplizio asked whether the paving would be in conjunction with the paving of state Route 255 and Liberty Boulevard to which Michael said yes. Michael said the project should be complete by the end of summer.
Kohlhepp’s Crossing is not in the budget this year but Caggiono said that for a timber crossing it has remained tight although well worn. He also said that they intend to work on that crossing next year, as it is in the budget, and bids will go out in the spring. Caggiono added that they would like to start that project after school is let out for the summer so as to not interfere with the school busses.
Michael added that a traffic count was conducted on Liberty Boulevard and DuBois Street. The results of the count rendered 15,000 vehicles on Liberty Boulevard and 11,000 on DuBois Street. Members of council were surprised by the number of vehicles that travel those roads.