We recognize that the quality of the crossings needs to be improved, and we continue to communicate our railroad-related concerns to Union Pacific. We will continue to press this issue and others to influence a solution that meets the expectations of the City and our residents.
A Challenging Process
Union Pacific established the railroad and their right of way before the city of Sugar Land was built. UPRR owns the rights to the railroad and all rights of way at the crossings. The City cannot have any work performed within 25 feet of the rail track without proper permits from UPRR.
Although the City can make some service and project requests to Union Pacific, the request must go through an approval process with the local Union Pacific office as well as the national office.
The "Ghost Train"
As motorists ourselves, we understand the frustration of the “ghost train” and malfunctioning crossing arms. Since the grade crossings are also in the UPRR right of way, the city does not have any authority of the quality of grade.