During the recent Seguin City Council meeting held on November 5, 2024, significant discussions centered around the future improvements at the Huber Road Railroad Crossing. The meeting aimed to gather direction for the Quiet Zone project, which seeks to enhance safety at this critical intersection.

The background of the discussion revealed that a feasibility study for a Quiet Zone was requested in 2022, leading to the ordering of a design contract earlier this year. However, complications arose due to a concurrent development at the intersection of Huber and Bridal, which triggered a signal warrant study by TxDOT. This study indicated that a signal is necessary at the crossing, but funding for such improvements is currently unavailable.

The council highlighted several safety concerns regarding the Huber crossing. The intersection's design poses risks, as vehicles may stop on the tracks when halted by a traffic signal. Additionally, the misalignment of Huber and Fleming streets complicates visibility and increases the likelihood of accidents. The crossing's humped grade exacerbates these issues, with a significant vertical drop that exceeds safety standards, leading to dangerous situations for drivers.

Traffic data presented during the meeting indicated a troubling trend, with nearly 4,000 vehicles passing through the intersection daily, a sharp increase from previous years. The council reviewed over 60 traffic incident reports from the past six years, revealing that misalignment and grade issues were primary contributors to accidents at the crossing.

The council is now faced with critical decisions regarding the future of the Huber Road Railroad Crossing. Options for keeping the crossing open come with inherent risks, as any proposed improvements will require scrutiny from TxDOT, the Federal Railroad Administration, and Union Pacific. The council's next steps will involve careful consideration of these factors to enhance safety and address the community's growing traffic concerns.