Capital Metro upgrades rail crossings

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Months after a Central Texas man was killed by a metro rail train at a private crossing, Capital Metro said Monday it is making changes in an effort to make those crossing safer.

After an investigation into private crossings, CapMetro officials decided to close down four crossings and upgrade six with new equipment.

The public transit authority will install flashing warning lights at six private crossings—one per year over the next six years. Each of those crossing will cost $200,000 the total cost of the upgrades is expected to be $985,000.

View MetroRail Private Crossing in a larger map

Capital Metro will also add gates with horns, as well as concrete panels to replace old gravel surfaces.

They're hoping the changes make the crossings safer and more visible to drivers. But they say it's up to the public to play their part to stop accidents by being aware of your surroundings.

"We are depending on the citizens to follow the rules," said Melvin Clark of Capital Metro. "You should stop, listen, and yield to the trains."

The MetroRail Red Line passes more than a dozen private crossings on its 32 mile long route between Leander and downtown Austin.

CapMetro is also launching a rail safety campaign to reach rural communities along their freight railroad informing the public on how to be safe at these crossings.