HOUSTON – Houston officials unveiled a new digital mapping tool designed to help residents avoid delays and stay safe at railroad crossings, addressing a persistent transportation challenge in a state that leads the nation in rail-related incidents.
The new “Train Watch” system, available on the city’s website, provides real-time updates on blocked railroad crossings throughout Houston, displaying them on an interactive map with simple color-coding: green for clear crossings and red for blocked intersections.
Railroad Safety Concerns Drive Innovation
Texas recorded 283 rail collisions last year, surpassing second-place California by nearly 100 incidents. The statistics underscore the urgency for better monitoring and safety measures at rail crossings throughout the state.
“Train Watch represents a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance both safety and efficiency for Houston drivers,” said city officials. The tool aims to help commuters make informed decisions about their routes before encountering blocked crossings.
How Train Watch Works
The system uses sensors at various railroad crossings to detect train presence and automatically updates the map to show blocked intersections. While currently housed on the city’s website, officials plan to integrate the feature into popular navigation apps, according to the mayor’s office.
Early testing revealed some sensor calibration issues, with occasional false positives showing blocked crossings when tracks were clear. City technicians are working to resolve these discrepancies as they continue expanding the network of monitored crossings.
Expanding Coverage and Accessibility
The initial rollout includes select crossings throughout Houston, with plans to add more locations as the city expands its network of railroad crossing sensors. Officials emphasize that the system will become more robust as additional crossings are equipped with monitoring technology.
For residents encountering persistent issues with blocked crossings, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) maintains a reporting system at www.fra.dot.gov/blockedcrossings.
The city also encourages residents to report problems through Houston’s 311 service.
Click here to access the city’s Train Watch system.