ENERGY SECTOR COORDINATION

Transcription

1 ENERGY SECTOR COORDINATION Darin Kosmak, Deputy Director TxDOT Rail Division November 4, 2013

2 Energy Sector Considerations Existing FM roads not built to handle truck traffic resulting from: Oil & natural gas development & fracking Wind farm development primarily in west Texas and Corpus Christi (south Texas) areas Several TxDOT roadways being rebuilt via energy sector funding, including a design build contract in 2014 to repair 31 highways in Laredo, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Yoakum Districts in South Texas Union Pacific tie gang work to commence in Permian Basin between Pecos and Midland in Summer 2014 Public outreach to emphasize rail safety and road closures 2

3 Additional Considerations Capture Increased Highway and Rail Traffic in Database Applications Tracking Oil & Gas Permits Issued by Texas Railroad Commission Updates to OS/OW Vehicle Permitting Route Maps from TX DMV Site diagnostics and Hi-Rail tours 3

4 Coordination with Local Governments Many Crossings on County Roads, City Streets, and Private Ranches Cost Sharing Between Various Agencies and Railroad Use of Federal Signal Program and Replanking Program to upgrade crossings Local Governments assist with guardrail, traffic control, striping, & signing Railroad improving pavement approaches at humped crossings 4

5 Planning & Project Development Need to Determine Scope of Work in Advance for Each Project Limits of work Replanking & Signal work Drainage, common ditch work, extend/replace culverts, safety end treatments Roadway Improvements, Guardrail, Retaining walls Any history of incidents? Condition of existing signing & striping Construction phasing Potential impact on school bus routes Coordination of work activities including city, county, state, and railroad for: Roadway work: pavement level-up, guardrail, striping, signing, drainage Railroad work: tie & rail replacement, surface replacement, lights & gates Traffic Control Plan: Advance approval, Overnight road closures Flagging and barricades 5

6 Safety Consideration: Public Safety Messages Coordinate with TxDOT District Public Information Officer, RR Coordinator, TSS s Consider local TV news stories, newspaper, poster, and billboard messaging Promote awareness of grade crossing construction work in addition to trespassing, grade crossing and general rail safety Utilize Operation Lifesaver and other safety outreach programs UP Cares 6

7 Safety Consideration: Traffic Control Considerations When will lane closures, half and full width, be allowed? Are overnight closures needed to allow for rail settling? Who will design and perform TCP? Is there a need for portable changeable message signs? Is a detour required? If so, must find feasible detour routes to handle truck loadings. How to coordinate tie gang & replanking work with traffic control contractor? 7

8 Safety Consideration: Traffic Detours Detour West to I-20 Business Approx. 5 Miles Detour East to I-20 Business Approx. 4 Miles DOT # C Passive Crossing East of Pecos Detour West to CR 170A Approx. 8 Miles Detour East to CR 170A Approx. 6 Miles 8

9 Safety Consideration: Signing 9

10 Safety Consideration: Humped Crossings Consider additional advance warning signage Roadway level-up and reducing roadway grade on at least one approach History of incidents, hang-ups, scuff marks on pavement History of non-permitted vehicles or improper vehicle use at crossing 10

11 Additional Safety Considerations More robust & durable type of crossing surface to avoid rail settling Lane striping thru crossing when multiple tracks exist and lighting is poor Add Do Not Stop on Tracks signs or LED enhanced signs/crossing surfaces Delineators and/or edge line markings on approaches Consolidate and close unnecessary crossings 11

12 I-35 Frontage Road in Artesia (TxDOT Laredo District) Concrete pavement & widen shoulders Replanking, relocate lights, gates, & cabin as needed Increase turning radius for trucks Add on both frontage roads 12

13 QUESTIONS? ENERGY SECTOR COORDINATION Darin Kosmak, Deputy Director TxDOT Rail Division November 4, 2013