CYPRESS, Texas – Homeowners in the Cypress area say a railroad crossing near Fry Road and Hempstead Highway has become a regular source of frustration and in some cases, a potential safety concern.
Neighbors tell KPRC 2 News trains frequently stop on the tracks for long periods of time, sometimes blocking the intersection for close to an hour.
“It’s frustrating. It’s honestly frustrating,” said Brianna Seabron, a homeowner in the area.
Many people who live near the crossing in the Blackhorse Ranch community say they never know when the delays will happen, but they say it occurs at least once a week.
“When it’s stopped on the track, it’s minimal an hour,” said homeowner Chrissy Aja. “You’re not moving. That is consistent.”
Chrissy’s daughter, Alexa Aja recently experienced the delays while heading to a job interview.
“It was moving back and forth, which was kind of weird,” she said. “I thought once it started moving it might get out of the way, but it just kept moving back and forth.”
She says the train issues are happening more frequently.
People often make illegal U-turns, run red lights, or drive aggressively to get around the traffic backups, according to Aja.
“That’s just leading to dangerous things to happen,” she said. “People get more aggressive and could potentially hurt someone.”
Malfunctioning crossing arms add to safety concerns
In addition to stalled trains, residents say the railroad crossing arms sometimes malfunction and stay down even when no train is present.
In a video shared with KPRC 2’s community news partner Grizzy’s Hood News, a man can be seen getting out and lifting the crossing arms so drivers could take turns passing through the intersection.
“I thought, ‘not all heroes wear capes,’” Chrissy said. “But then I also thought about his safety.”
Alexa Aja says she had seen crossing arms stuck before, but the situation still surprised her.
Frustrated with the ongoing issues, Chrissy sent an email to Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey’s office asking for help addressing the problem.
She also copied KPRC 2 News on the message in hopes of bringing more attention to the situation affecting Cypress residents.
In part, her email reads:
“Trains frequently stop and completely block this intersection for extremely long periods of time often close to an hour…many of us have been late to work, school, and appointments because of these repeated blockages.”
Aja also mentioned issues with the crossing arms staying down when no train is present and noted that residents often warn each other about blockages in local Facebook groups.
“This intersection serves a large and growing community,” Aja wrote. “The repeated blockages are becoming a major daily disruption for residents.”
Commissioner Ramsey’s office told KPRC 2 News the county has limited authority over the railroad.
“Due to strict federal guidelines, the County does not have jurisdiction over the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR),” the office said in a statement.
His office added they remain in communication with a liaison at Union Pacific to advocate for residents’ concerns.
Precinct 3 leaders also noted a more than $70 million partnership project that will build an underpass on Greenhouse Road to help drivers avoid the Union Pacific rail line in the future.
Union Pacific responds
Union Pacific told KPRC 2 News its goal is to keep trains moving safely and efficiently but said several factors can cause crossings to become blocked.
“A stopped train isn’t good for our customers or communities,” the company said in a statement.
Union Pacific said possible causes include:
- Weather-related track damage or blockages
- Signal malfunctions
- Speed restrictions
- Mechanical issues
The railroad encourages residents experiencing issues to report them at up.com/notifyup or by calling its 24-hour emergency response center.
Residents say the issue is especially concerning as the Cypress area continues to grow rapidly, with new developments and the planned Houston Texans Toro District expected to bring even more traffic.
“We love the businesses, we love the homes, and we love people moving here,” Chrissy Aja said. “But our infrastructure isn’t set up for it.”
Despite the frustration, Aja says residents understand the importance of the railroad.
“We support the railroad. We know that’s bringing supplies back and forth,” she said. “But there’s got to be another solution.”
Union Pacific statement:
“Union Pacific has been serving America for 164 years, delivering goods communities rely on. Cities and towns grew up along our network for a reason – we are a vital economic link that connects shippers and buyers to each other, and the world.
Union Pacific’s goal is to keep trains moving safely and efficiently – a stopped train isn’t good for our customers or communities. There are a number of variables that can lead to blocked crossings, such as unplanned weather events that cause track blockages/damage, signal malfunctions, trains operating under reduced speed restrictions or mechanical issues.
We strongly encourage anyone who experiences an issue to report it to www.up.com/notifyup or by calling our 24/7 Emergency Response Center at 1-800-877-7267."
Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey statement:
“Due to strict federal guidelines, the County does not have jurisdiction over the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR). We are in constant communication with our UPRR liaison advocating for the community over concerns like these. In the past, we’ve successfully flagged issues, including one where a homeless encampment caused a faulty switch that kept railroad bars down. Precinct 3 also has plans to address traffic issues in the area, such as the $70M+ partnership project that builds an underpass on Greenhouse Road to avoid the UPRR, as well as coordinating the completion of Mueschke Road at US 290.”