Friday, Aug. 22, 2008

Our View: Has Merced outgrown rail?

Undercrossing on G and 23rd streets could create more traffic problems once it's finished.

The traffic mess two weeks ago caused by a stopped freight train is only the latest incident in Merced's long history of frustrations with the railroad.

The good news -- that state funding may allow an undercrossing at G Street at 23rd Street to open by 2011 -- would be better if there were also plans in place for similar measures at Merced's other thoroughfares.

While we applaud the steps that have been taken to move this necessary project forward, we can't help but worry about the traffic load that will be diverted to G Street once the underpass is complete.

The city will find out next week if it will receive $9 million in state funding -- half the cost of construction.

If Merced wins the money, work would begin in 2010, with the project completed the following year. It should be obvious that when the roadway is reopened, drivers seeking an unimpeded route will flock to G Street. The traffic volume on this road will reach annoying levels, to say the least.

Since 2005, the city has received 229 complaints though its Web site about traffic delays caused by the railroad. The delays add up to nearly 42 hours -- think of all the air pollution caused by idling vehicles. (To read the complaints, visit www.mercedsunstar.com/opinion)

The G Street underpass is a good quick fix, but it certainly isn't the final answer.

In an ideal Merced, the tracks would be moved outside city limits, but we understand such an undertaking is unrealistic because of the phenomenal costs involved.

So, considering the amount of time that it has taken just to get an underpass on G Street, planning needs to begin now for additional underpasses at M Street, R Street, Highway 59 and eventually a crossing at Parsons Avenue.

This isn't something the city can tackle on its own. We'll need financial help from regional agencies and legislators. There should also be more incentive placed on the railroad -- in this case, BNSF -- to kick in additional funding when operations impact a city's ability to function.

Merced city staffers have surveyed the amount of time wasted by emergency vehicles waiting for a train to pass. Spokesman Mike Conway said the city estimates that police, firefighters and ambulance drivers spend up to two hours each day waiting at the railroad tracks.

"If the timing gets ugly and you're the person being transported in an ambulance, five minutes can make a difference," Conway said, adding that the city also has documented cases of emergency police backup being held up by the trains.

This is unacceptable.

Merced, like most Central Valley towns, may have grown up around the railroad, but that shouldn't mean we're perpetually handicapped by it.