Laserfiche WebLink
999 RECEIVED <br /> JUN <br /> COLORADO MINED L"p RECLAMATION DIVIYin12LAMATIONDIVISIOM <br /> THE MATTER OF NO P'�$14GHAM SAND & GRAVEL007 <br /> A Vatural Resources <br /> EAGLE PIT AMENDWT - FILE NO. 78-352 . <br /> POSITION PAPER OF THE DENVER AND <br /> RIO GRANDE WESTERN RAILROAD COMPANY <br /> Safety is the primary concern of the Railroad at <br /> any highway-railway grade crossing . Grade crossings are <br /> inherently dangerous because of the potential conflict in <br /> use . The Railroad has attempted to convey this fact since <br /> the gravel operation, now under consideration for expansion, <br /> was first permitted in 1977 . <br /> In April , 1979 , the Railroad was forced to upgrade <br /> and widen the existing private ranch access crossing at M. P. <br /> 331 . 69 because of its use , without permission , by Nottingham <br /> Sand & Gravel Co . The existing crossing was not suitable <br /> for the type of traffic generated by a sand and gravel <br /> operation and the upgrading was necessary to prevent damage <br /> to the railroad track structure . <br /> Nottingham continues to use this crossing without <br /> permission of the Railroad and has never reimbursed the <br /> Railroad for the cost of the new crossing which was required <br /> solely as a result of Nottingham ' s operations . <br /> Despite repeated attempts on the part of the <br /> Railroad , Nottingham has refused to sign an agreement for <br /> use of a crossing , as required by the Railroad . This <br /> agreement included installation of Flashing Light Signals , <br /> Warning Bells & Gates . The Railroad believes these devices <br /> to be necessary to protect both train and vehicular traffic <br /> at this crossing for reasons stated below. <br /> There are many factors to consider in regard to <br /> crossing safety . Exposure factor is one that is commonly <br /> used , but it is by no means the definitive one. Exposure <br /> factor is defined as the average number of train movements <br /> in 24 hours multiplied by the average daily traffic in 24 <br /> hours . The National Transportation Planning Study contains <br /> a listing of suggested protection by road classification and <br /> exposure factor . <br /> The exposure factor of 3000 referenced in the <br /> Leigh, Scott & Cleary letter of March 28, 1984, probably <br /> refers to this listing . However , the 3000 figure as quoted <br /> is misleading . The N. T.P. S. table suggests that for a rural <br />