Tucson Works to Eliminate Railroad Crossing Delays

City projects aim to reduce traffic congestion caused by active train crossings in Tucson.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Car Types

Tucson Works to Eliminate Railroad Crossing Delays

Live Poll

Should local authorities prioritize funding to eliminate traffic delays at railroad crossings in your area?

Tucson officials are pushing forward with infrastructure projects to replace at-grade railroad crossings with bridges and underpasses. These efforts aim to alleviate chronic traffic delays that plague city motorists.

Why it matters

Eliminating at-grade crossings is a strategic priority to enhance public safety and ensure smoother traffic flow throughout the city. Reducing wait times at these intersections remains a primary concern for local infrastructure planning.

The Downtown Links project has successfully eliminated 2 at-grade railroad crossings. Several other crossings, including those at Alvernon, Country Club, and 36th Street, remain active and subject to train-related delays.

The players

RTA Next

This is a regional transportation authority program that provides planned funding for upcoming railroad crossing elimination projects.

The details

The Downtown Links initiative utilizes underpasses to guide traffic beneath railroad tracks, effectively removing the barrier presented by trains. While major projects like the 22nd Street bridge replacement continue, other sites await future funding and development.

October 20, 2026: Official report regarding ongoing traffic delays at city railroad crossings.

Roadmap

These infrastructure developments represent a broader shift toward grade-separated transit to improve urban mobility. Such projects are essential for modernizing the regional transportation network and supporting long-term traffic capacity.

Commuters can expect reduced idle times as new underpasses and bridges remove the necessity of waiting for passing trains. Residents should monitor local traffic updates for potential disruptions during ongoing bridge replacement projects.

The takeaway

Ongoing city efforts continue to prioritize the physical separation of vehicle and train traffic to improve local travel efficiency. Drivers are encouraged to plan routes that bypass remaining at-grade crossings to avoid unexpected delays.