The railroad crossing on Colo. 66 between Erfert and Alpine streets, east of Walmart, has reopened to traffic, the city announced in a news release sent shortly after 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
“BNSF Railway crews finished working and reopened the crossing in the wee hours of Saturday morning, according to an update from representatives of the Colorado Department of Transportation,” according to the release.
Traffic has been detoured since BNSF Railway began replacing damaged ties on its tracks at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday. The work was originally slated to take two full days.
BNSF has experienced periodic issues at the rail crossing, leading to multiple temporary emergency repairs in the past month. Repairs are being coordinated by and paid for by BNSF and CDOT, according to the city.
The crossing will remain open through the weekend, but roadwork signs will remain in place, according to the release. “Part of the needed work on the eastbound shoulder of the crossing was not completed, and final checks of the work also need to be made by BNSF and CDOT next week, according to a status update from CDOT to Longmont staff,” the city stated. “Once that final work is completed, road and railroad striping will be reapplied to the area.”
Motorists can use the crossing but are encouraged to be aware of the possibility of rough portions of the crossing and missing lane and crossing safety lines, according to the city.
This work is not a city project, and repairs are being coordinated by and paid for by BNSF and CDOT. The city will post updates on its Facebook and Twitter pages.
Questions or comments about Colo. 66 or the crossing can be directed to BNSF at 800-832-5452 or via an online form here; or CDOT at 970-350-2368 or here. Longmont is a part of CDOT Region 4 (north/northwestern Colorado).
