Tower 55 reopens following $100-million retrofit

Union Pacific

Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph Szabo joined Congresswoman Kay Granger in celebrating the re-opening of Tower 55, a 141-year-old railroad interlocking on Nov. 7. The newly-rebuilt interlocking will improve safety while relieving rail congestion following a multi-million dollar overhaul.

The $101-million retrofit of one of the nation’s busiest rail interlockings is used daily by 110 freight and passenger trains. The project received $34 million in federal funding from the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program.

“Safety is our highest priority and these upgrades at Tower 55 will help further reduce the already declining number of grade crossing accidents in Texas,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “This is a winning investment because it improves safety, increases efficiency and strengthens the local and national economies.”

This project eliminated three grade crossings and a critical chokepoint in the nation’s rail network. The improved traffic flow through this interlocking will enhance the flow of commerce, minimize wait times for trains and reduce the number of blocked crossings. Specifically, the elimination of the Peach Street grade crossing clears the way for children to safely get to and from school without crossing railroad tracks.

“Tower 55 exemplifies what is possible when industry and government work together,” said Administrator Szabo, “With predictable, dedicated funding for rail we will can strengthen our national economy with similar projects in the future and enhance safety.”

Tower 55, first constructed in 1873, accommodates rail traffic from the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts, as well as Mexico and Canada. The project is a cooperative venture between the rail industry and state and federal governments.