2024 Railroad Crossing Improvements

Downtown Tyler is changing, and the City is working to make those changes as smooth as possible for those who live, work, and visit here. The 2024 Railroad Crossing Improvements Project will upgrade key railroad crossings while coordinating with other Downtown work to limit future disruptions.

The project includes improvements to three Downtown crossings: East Erwin Street, East Ferguson Street, and East Locust Street. These locations are being redesigned to meet modern safety standards and prepare for future two-way traffic patterns planned for the streets around the Square. By completing design and coordination now, we can move forward with these improvements alongside the Downtown Improvement Project instead of returning later and interrupting new streets or finished sidewalks.

The project also includes the East Lake Street crossing, which connects Downtown to the Midtown District. Work at this location will focus on improving the roadway approach and drainage to make travel safer and smoother for drivers.

Because the work involves active rail lines, the City is partnering closely with Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) throughout the design process. Planned upgrades include improved drainage, roadway approaches, and updated safety features that meet UPRR and federal design standards.

HDR Engineering, Inc. is completing design work with funding from the City’s Half Cent Sales Tax Fund. Coordinating these efforts with the Downtown Improvement Project ensures that progress continues with less disruption for residents and businesses, improving how people move through Tyler while keeping Downtown open and accessible during construction.

The Railroad Crossing Improvements Project supports the ongoing Downtown Improvement Project, which began construction in September 2025. Once complete, all streets surrounding the Square will operate as two-way, improving access and navigation throughout Downtown. Updating nearby crossings now ensures the infrastructure is ready for these future traffic patterns and helps create a safer, more connected transportation network for our community.

This project is funded through the City’s Half Cent Sales Tax Fund, which supports infrastructure projects that improve mobility, safety, and quality of life throughout Tyler.

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