Council adopts ordinance to close two Twin Buttes railroad crossings tied to El Toro extension

The Town of Sahuarita council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance No. 2025‑183, closing and abandoning two roadway and Union Pacific Railroad crossings associated with the existing Twin Buttes alignment after the opening of the El Toro extension and pending Union Pacific approval for the new crossing.

Public Works Director (presenting) said the El Toro extension now connects I‑19 to La Vita and that the Twin Buttes alignment includes two Union Pacific crossings the town is seeking to close as part of an agreement with Union Pacific railroad. Staff recommended adoption so the town can remain ahead of the Union Pacific schedule and remove the existing crossings when the railroad approves the new intersection and utility crossings at the El Toro Extension and Rancho Sahuarita Boulevard.

Council members asked timing questions and about signage and barricades; staff said temporary barricades remain in place for now and that permanent signage compliant with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices will be installed after barricades are removed.

Motion and vote: A council member moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2025‑183 and another council member seconded; the motion carried unanimously with all present voting aye.

Ending: Staff will coordinate with Union Pacific and the town’s contractor on utility crossings and will follow up on signage and the timing for opening the new intersection, with an estimated target of late summer (August timeframe) contingent on Union Pacific schedule and approvals.