Sahuarita council abandons two Twin Butte railroad crossings tied to El Toro extension

The Town of Sahuarita mayor and council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance No. 2025‑183, authorizing the town to close and abandon two roadway and Union Pacific Railroad crossings on the existing Twin Butte alignment now that traffic has been shifted to the new El Toro extension.

Public Works Director Nalavalli told the council that the El Toro extension — which runs from I‑19 north to La Viva — shifted traffic to the new alignment and that the existing Twin Butte alignment includes two Union Pacific Railroad crossings that the town and Union Pacific agree should be closed. Nalavalli recommended council approval to stay ahead of the schedule while Union Pacific completes its required crossing and utility coordination.

Council members asked about timing and signage. Nalavalli said the town is coordinating with the contractor and Union Pacific on utility crossings at the new intersection and estimated an opening in the August timeframe but said the town is “at the mercy” of Union Pacific’s schedule. Nalavalli added that temporary barricades currently remain in place and that the town will remove temporary barricades and install permanent signs compliant with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices when appropriate.

The council read the ordinance caption into the record and then moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2025‑183; the motion carried unanimously.

No amendments or alternative actions were approved; staff will continue coordination with Union Pacific and the project contractor to finalize crossing changes and public signage.