Update: Baytown’s Push for Rail Solutions

Jason Calder, City of Baytown

Baytown is a city that moves. From thriving industrial partners to families commuting to school and work, our community depends on clear roads and open crossings. That is why the City of Baytown continues to press for solutions to limit railroad disruptions that impact neighborhoods, businesses, and emergency vehicle access.

As part of that ongoing effort, City officials recently joined Union Pacific representatives for an on-site tour of several railroad crossings across Baytown. Councilman Jacob Powell was part of the City team during the visit.

Seeing the Challenges Firsthand 

During the tour, City leaders and Union Pacific walked through current challenges, reviewed reported concerns, and discussed stopping locations, operational constraints, and safety conditions that contribute to delays across Baytown.

City officials also shared resident reports and data that help illustrate how often these disruptions occur and the real-world impact they have on daily life. Union Pacific provided insight into rail operations and discussed steps they are taking to improve communication, coordination, and awareness in Baytown and other communities.

Richard Zientek with Union Pacific said, “Union Pacific Railroad has been actively engaged with the City of Baytown on a daily basis, working to identify challenges and find ways to reduce the number of blocked crossings in the city. Our goal is always to keep trains moving safely and efficiently, and we have made recent modifications to train schedules that should enhance train fluidity in Baytown.”

He added, “We are committed to continuing to work together to reduce occupied crossings, while serving numerous customers in the area who rely upon the railroad to provide vital transportation services.”

What You Can Do

Residents can help by reporting blocked crossings in these ways:

• Better Baytown App or City of Baytown website: Use the Better Baytown mobile app or visit baytown.org to report blocked crossings. Include as much detail as possible, such as photos and location information. Each report helps us track the growing number of incidents and ensures Union Pacific leadership understands the real impact on our community.
• Union Pacific’s Response Management Communications Center: Contact the UPRMCC, staffed by a live representative, at 888-877-7267 or 800-848-8715. When reporting, include the crossing identification number that is found on the blue sign near the crossing gates. Also, include the nearby cross streets. You can also use the NotifyUP portion of the Union Pacific website to have your issue heard.
• Blocked Crossing Incident Reporter: Use the Federal Railroad Administration’s online tool to submit an issue.

A Challenge Decades in the Making

Baytown’s rail lines were here long before many of our neighborhoods and industries. These tracks remain critical for moving goods that fuel global industry and strengthen our local and national economy. But as train traffic grows, so do the challenges. Cities like Baytown have very limited authority to demand action on rail operations, but that’s not stopping us from pushing back.

Bringing Union Pacific to the Table

Baytown officials meet regularly with Union Pacific leadership to discuss blocked crossings, safety issues, and other community concerns. What began as a difficult conversation has evolved into an ongoing partnership. Union Pacific now keeps a list of Baytown’s Top 10 “hot spots” posted in their dispatch center to help crews stay aware of problem areas.

Teamwork at Every Level

The City continues to raise awareness of these issues with state and federal partners. In addition to the latest meetings with Councilman Powell and Union Pacific leadership, Councilwoman Laura Alvarado recently hosted a meeting with TxDOT, Senator Carol Alvarado’s office, and City representatives to explore new state funding opportunities for grade separations. These projects separate roads and rail lines to prevent crossing blockages. It is a long and competitive process, but we will keep fighting and working for solutions.

While rail operations are governed primarily at the federal level, the City is listening and remains committed to advocating for residents through collaboration, transparency, and continued engagement with our partners.

Baytown can’t fix this alone. But together, we can make sure our voice stays strong, our message stays clear, and our community stays moving on the right track.