Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rail Realignment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves street closures tied to Union Pacific realignment after safety and notification debate
Summary
Harlingen commissioners approved a Union Pacific request to permanently close A, B and Second Streets between Adams and Jefferson as part of a rail realignment project, prompting concerns about notification to affected businesses and drainage coordination.
The Harlingen City Commission voted April 15 to approve permanent closures of A Street, B Street and Second Street between Adams Avenue and Jefferson Avenue as part of a Union Pacific railroad track realignment project intended to reduce at‑grade crossings and long‑term maintenance costs.
Engineering staff and a Cameron County project stakeholder outlined the benefits of removing three low‑volume crossings and concentrating full warning devices on Commerce, First and Third streets. Eric Davila, the county’s chief development engineer, told commissioners that the study projects traffic can be routed to the remaining collectors and that property access will be preserved via adjacent streets.
Several commissioners and residents urged that the city and Union Pacific notify adjacent businesses and review drainage utilities before construction. "Common courtesy goes a long way," Commissioner Delia Cavazos Gomez said, urging staff to notify small businesses that could be affected.
Supporters framed the vote as a safety improvement: one commissioner said removing crossings reduces vehicle‑train accidents and lowers the city's future maintenance burden. Commissioners also discussed NEPA/environmental‑clearance timing; staff said final design will follow 30% schematic plans and that delaying the vote would slow environmental clearance and the project timeline.
The motion to approve the closures passed (motion moved and seconded; outcome recorded as 'ayes have it'). Commissioners directed staff to coordinate notifications to businesses and to provide updated drainage and utility plans as the design advances.
Next steps: staff will pursue environmental clearance (the presenters targeted closing the clearance loop within a month), advance final design to 100% and share plans and stakeholder notices before construction.
