Railroad crossing at county's District 2 Road in Bonners Ferry
safer with new gates and lights

Drivers crossing railroad tracks at District 2 Road in Bonners Ferry will now benefit from new gates and lights that were installed earlier this month. Note: This is not an ITD D2 road in D1 - it is just called "District 2 Road."

“The crossing is on a school bus route and also on the way to Riverside Park, which features hiking trails and two softball diamonds,” said Renee Nelson, co-superintendent at Boundary County Road and Bridge. “It is a very popular area for families and players, and recent changes will benefit the safety of all children and drivers who use it each day.”

This crossing has been a concern for Boundary County residents, prompting the county's Road and Bridge, the Idaho Transportation Department and the Union Pacific Railroad to begin designing new safety features in 2018.

Plans developed by ITD and UPRR were constructed in June and July for an estimated $314,000.

After construction Boundary County Road and Bridge partnered with the city of Bonners Ferry to have stop bars painted at the modified crossing to keep drivers safely distanced from any trains passing through.

Approximately nine trains and 150 vehicles cross the tracks each day. Given that movements were only controlled by a stop sign before, the introduction of lights and gates is a significant safety enhancement.

“We have already had some positive feedback from the public expressing their thanks,” Nelson said.

Improvements were funded by the federal rail safety program, which provides an average of $2.2 million each year to the state to improve public railroad crossings. ITD contributes a 10% match.

Similar improvements are planned in 2025 for the crossing at Schoolhouse Road.

Published 07-31-20