Overview
The Las Vegas/Royer Railroad Crossing Relocation Project involves construction of a new railroad crossing and roadway to replace the existing Royer Street railroad crossing.
- A new street, Twin Bridges Road, will be built under US Highway 24, connecting Las Vegas Street to the Hancock Expressway.
- Upon completion, the existing Royer Street railroad crossing will be removed and a cul-de-sac will be constructed north of the railroad.
About
Project Background
The existing Royer Street railroad crossing just north of Las Vegas Street is a non-standard crossing and restricts the clearance of low-profile vehicles. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has recorded 25 non-fatal, "train vs. vehicle" accidents at this crossing since 1975. These accidents highlight the ongoing risk of low-profile vehicles blocking the railroad track in this location. During each occurrence, the rail operator is forced out of service until the vehicle(s) can be removed.
This project was initiated as a safety project to improve the at-grade crossing at Royer Street. An evaluation of safety improvement options showed replacing the crossing in a new location to the east was the preferred solution. The new roadway and rail crossing will be operational prior to the closure of the existing crossing at Royer Street.
Purpose & Need
- Improve safety by replacing the existing non-standard and difficult to maneuver Royer Street railroad crossing with a new at-grade crossing at Twin Bridges Road
- Enhance connectivity between Las Vegas Street and Hancock Expressway
- Reduce traffic delays and improve traffic flow in the area
- Address current infrastructure limitations that affect safety and mobility
Benefits
- Enhanced safety for all transportation modes at the railroad crossing
- Improved traffic flow and reduced congestion on Las Vegas Street
- Better connectivity between key roadways in the area
- Upgraded infrastructure designed to meet current and future needs
Funding
This project is funded through Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA).
Project Elements
Key project elements include:
- Raising Las Vegas Street by approximately four (4) feet and adding turn lanes
- Constructing Twin Bridges Road as a new roadway
- Replacing the traffic signal and completing intersection improvements at the new Twin Bridges Road and Hancock Expressway intersection
- Installing a new vehicular and pedestrian at-grade railroad crossing on Twin Bridges Road between Las Vegas Street and Hancock Expressway
- Striping crosswalks and replacing ramps at the west Hancock Expressway entrance to the Leon Young Colorado Springs Utilities facility
Project Map
Pictured in the map are locations of construction work where the new Twin Bridges Road will be constructed with an at-grade crossing of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks connecting East Las Vegas Street to the Hancock Expressway. The map also shows the location of Royer Street where it will end as a cul-de-sac north of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.