Whether you are installing a railroad crossing where there wasn’t one or replacing an old crossing that is in disrepair, it’s important to do things correctly. That means contracting a professional railroad construction firm like ours to ensure that all bases are covered, and the result of your investment is lasting, safe, and built efficiently. A lot goes into railroad crossing construction, but here are the highlights.
Demolition of the old crossing
This may or may not be the first step, depending on whether there is an existing railroad crossing at the site in question. However, when demolition is concerned, it’s important to do things safely, thoroughly, and efficiently. Demolishing an existing crossing isn’t like doing a demo on a house; it requires a thoughtful plan and needs to adhere to municipal safety and construction standards.
Site preparation
Site prep is an important step of any large-scale construction project. This process uses the expertise of engineers and surveyors to measure and grade the land to ensure that the site is suitable for a crossing. Without site prep, you would have no understanding of the land you’re about to build on, which could be catastrophic.
Removal of the old track panel
If you’re replacing a crossing, you must first remove the old track panel. We’ve written in the past about what you can do with a retired railroad track. Whatever you do, disposal of the track panel isn’t simple and needs to be done by the book.
Installation of the new track panel
Once the site has been cleared, surveyed, graded, and prepared, it’s time to install a new track panel. This process is the fruit of massive amounts of labor!
Removal of loose materials
Things like ties, scrap metal, and other loose debris from the old track need to be cleaned up and disposed of. These materials can’t simply be thrown away and should be disposed of properly. In the right hands, these materials can be recycled and reused, and may even be able to be sold.
Laying and rolling new asphalt
Railroad crossings require asphalt, as they are a portion of railroad track that overlaps with the roadway. Asphalt needs to be rolled flat, and installed in such a way that it can withstand the elements. This is an integral part of the crossing construction process, as improperly laid asphalt can be a hindrance to vehicles and a nuisance if installed incorrectly.
Disposal of old gravel, asphalt, and other construction materials
Lastly, the old gravel, asphalt, and other construction materials need to be cleaned and disposed of. Some of these materials can be reused, and at the very least, need to be disposed of correctly. There are numerous municipal and federal regulations about how construction materials are disposed of, and the sustainable disposal of old materials is important to the integrity and reputation of the construction firm and railroad owner.
Are you in need of a new railroad crossing? We are experts in railroad crossing construction, whether it’s a new construction or a replacement. Reach out to us today.