Train-Traffic Problem Could End Soon

By Emory Bryan, News On 6

CLAREMORE, OK -- A solution is in the works for a traffic problem in Claremore. The state plans to build elevated rail road tracks through Claremore, allowing traffic to pass underneath.

The city has wanted to do something about trains blocking traffic for a long time. Now the money is now in place, so design work and then construction can get started.

Trains divide Claremore several times an hour, every day. Driver Terri Dildine often has to wait.

"One way and the other way back," said Dildine.

While the noise is a nuisance, the roadblock backs up traffic and separates half the town from the hospital.

The problem is magnified because two rail lines cross on the north side of town. The solution is to build a bridge for the Burlington Northern tracks, allowing cars to pass underneath.

It's a $40 to $50 million dollar solution to keep the trains and traffic moving.

The elevated rail line would run the length of the Burlington Northern tracks in Claremore. That's more than three miles. Most of it would be a bridge, but one-third of it would be an earthen berm 30 feet tall.

One of the biggest complaints about the project is the visual impact it will have on Claremore.  The train tracks will be as high as the signal lights.  No matter how you look at it, it's going to be a division between the east and west side of town.

"You have to weigh the pros and cons and we realize it's going to be ugly going right through the middle of town, which is why we're trying to do more of the bridge construction instead of the berm so at least you'll be able to see underneath it," said Cassie Sowers, City of Claremore.

The city says it's not practical to build highway overpasses because of limited room alongside the tracks. The elevated line would use land already owned by the railroad.

The railroad bridge will solve the problem of the rail lines crossing so there will not be a need for one train to stop while the other one passes.