News from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission

Office of Public Information -- Phone: (405) 521-4180 FAX (405) 521-6945

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick K. Petree Reference: TRN5698-28

Enid's 16th Street Rail Crossing Will Close by May 15

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Corporation Commission has been notified that the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway will close its 16th Street crossing in Enid by May 15.

The railroad also advised the commission that it will move its switching operations from the 10th Street area to the 16th street area within 30 days, making the 10th Street crossing less congested for motorists, G.R. "Buddy" Combs, commission railroad department manager, said.

The Corporation Commission directed the BNSF to close its 16th street crossing and upgrade its 10th street crossing by adding crossing gates and a new crossing surface.

The 16th Street crossing is in the middle of the BNSF rail yard. The commission staff recommended its closure in the interest of public safety because motorists using the crossing have to cross 21 tracks over a total distance of about one city block.

The City of Enid filed, but later withdrew, a protest to the application for closure.

No timetable has been established for upgrading the 10th Street crossing.

In a separate order, the commission approved installation of flashing light signals and gate arms at the Willow Road crossing. Upgrading the Willow Road crossing will cost $121,500. Federal grade-crossing improvements funds will pay 90 percent of the cost and the City of Enid will pay the remaining 10 percent, commission records indicate.

The Corporation Commission also approved two other Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway crossings upgrades.

Flashing light signals, gate arms and a new concrete crossing surface will be installed at state highway 132 about a quarter mile east of Carrier, in Garfield County, at a cost of $148,800. Federal funds will pay 90 percent and state and railroad funds will pay the rest.

Flashing light signals and gate arms will be installed at a county road about six miles east of Altus, in Jackson County, at a cost of $104,700. Federal funds will pay 90 percent and Jackson County funds will pay the rest.

-occ-