2 Rail Crossings Listed as Most Needing Safety Projects

Two railroad intersections with a history of accidents topped the statewide list of priority projects to receive money for grade crossings, the California Public Utilities Commission announced this week.

Using a complex rating system that considers accidents, congestion and train and motor vehicle speed, the PUC ranked the railroad crossing at Nogales Street in the city of Industry as the one most in need of a separation between the railroad tracks and the street.

There were two accidents at Nogales over the last 10 years, the PUC said. The PUC said 31 trains a day cross the intersection, with motorists waiting about two minutes as each train passes.

Ranking second on the list is the Union Pacific/Metrolink train crossing at Sierra Highway in Santa Clarita. There have been five accidents at the intersection in 10 years. The 20 trains a day block the intersection about 1 1/2 minutes each time they pass through.

The underpass at Nogales would cost $14.5 million, so Los Angeles County would have to find $9.5 million in matching funds. An overpass at Sierra Highway would cost $9.2 million.