Resident urges action on deteriorating railroad crossing on Roosevelt Avenue

A resident told the City of Aberdeen council on Feb. 18 that the railroad crossing on North Roosevelt (near Eighth Avenue) has worsened since he last raised the issue two to three years ago and asked why the crossing has not been fixed sooner.

"Is it take 2 or 3 years to fix a crossing? That's all I'm asking," said George Dell, a resident who spoke during the open forum. He offered to show council members the site after the meeting.

Public Works staff described steps already taken and the engineering reasons the crossing keeps deteriorating. Stu, representing public works, said staff previously tapered the concrete approaching the crossing to reduce the sharp bump. He and other staff explained the current problem is frost heave: frost penetrates the native soils adjacent to the non-moving ballast under the railroad and creates a three-inch bump in cold months. Staff said the condition has worsened this winter because of deeper frost penetration and lack of snow cover.

Staff discussed possible remedies if the condition persists, including cutting back a concrete panel adjacent to the crossing and placing asphalt to better taper the approach where concrete meets the crossing material. They noted that the section of Roosevelt by Eighth Avenue is asphalt and easier to taper than the areas with concrete to the rail crossing itself.

Council acknowledged the complaint and said staff would continue to monitor the crossing and consider more permanent repairs if needed. No formal action or procurement was taken at the meeting; the item was a public comment followed by staff explanation and an offer to inspect the site further.