BNSF, UP partner with Texas DOT for Tower 55 money

BNSF, Union Pacific and the Texas Department of Transportation are working together to secure National Infrastructure Investments Discretionary Grant, TIGER II, funding to make Tower 55 improvements in Fort Worth, Texas. Tower 55 is one of the nation's busiest railroad intersections and a TxDOT organized selection committee has rated the project as the highest priority proposed TIGER II project in Texas. Both BNSF and Union Pacific rely heavily on Tower 55 to move freight throughout the Southwest. More than 100 trains a day must stop and make turns through the intersection, increasing emissions and traffic congestion for both freight trains and commuters. Summary of improvements • Additional trackage north, south and through Tower 55 on BNSF and UP • Improved quadrant connections to promote train movements • New and structurally improved bridges and grade-crossing closures • Enhanced signals that would be compatible with positive train control (PTC) • Two new grade-separated pedestrian crossings adjacent to an elementary school • Two at-grade road crossing closures in a residential area "The Tower 55 rail intersection plays a major economical role in North Texas. It is clear how important Tower 55 is to the vitality of the area, which is why I have worked on, and tried to bring attention to, the issues at Tower 55 since the authorization of the last transportation bill," said U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Lewisville. "Action is needed to address the problems at Tower 55, not only because of congestion and economic reasons, but more importantly, for the safety of those in the North Texas communities along the line." Funding to make the improvements would come from a number of sources in addition to the federal funds, including BNSF, UP and North Central Texas Council of Governments.