Protruding metal has been fixed, Union Pacific says
Hollister – Just three months after crews repaired a railroad crossing on Highway 25 that had given drivers headaches from bumpy rides, a new problem emerged that punctured tires over the weekend.
Metal protruding from the Union Pacific Railroad line across Highway 25 just north of San Benito County shredded tires on four or five cars Sunday, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Chris Armstrong.
“A chunk of metal became dislodged and was removed by my officer,” Armstrong said, adding that a another piece of metal remained protruding from the crossing.
“This could derail a train,” said Officer Brian Borchard, who removed one of the pieces of metal from the crossing.
None of the drivers with punctured tires filed police reports, according to Armstrong.
Union Pacific Railroad Spokesman Mark Davis said that the railroad had not received complaints about the metal jutting up from the tracks, but had been informed about the situation by the CHP.
“The CHP made us aware,” he said.
The deterioration of the roadbed was mentioned several times in the last month in the Red Phone feature of South Valley newspapers. It is unclear when the metal began to protrude to the extent that tire damage resulted.
Late on Sunday, a Caltrans worker went out to the section of track and cut off the remaining metal with a torch, Armstrong said. On Monday UP workers replaced the concrete panels between the tracks, according to Davis.
“It’s completely repaired,” Davis said.
For years, cracked and disjointed concrete at the railroad crossing made for a rough ride for drivers, who would often hit their brakes or swerve onto the shoulder to avoid the jolt. In April Union Pacific, compelled by complaints and an order from the California Public Utilities Commission, spent two days replacing the deteriorating concrete between the tracks. The PUC ordered the repairs because it was an accident waiting to happen, according to a letter the commission sent to the railroad.
Public Utilities Commission Inspector Kevin Boles reported that there was an increased risk of accidents because the rough crossing made motorists driving on the 55 mph highway slow to a crawl and often drive on the shoulder to avoid the worst section.
Drivers who have had damage to their vehicles because of damaged tracks should call UP’s Railroad Property Damage Center at (800) 638-3891 to receive reimbursement for the cost of repairing their cars, Davis said.
Also, he said, people who notice possible problems with UP tracks should report their observations to (888) 877-7267.
Luke Roney covers politics for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or at al*****@***********ws.com.
