Parents in Davis, California

From one of the PTA lists: Proposed Olive Drive traintrack crossing
An Open Letter to DJUSD Parents/Guardians/

The safety of children as they travel to and from school is vital to
parents, and an important community consideration.

The Best Uses of Schools Task Force previously raised concerns about
the tracks adjacent to the Davis Train Station. These tracks present a
serious hazard and a significant barrier to a safe route to school for
the many students living on Olive Drive, one of this community's
lowest income neighborhoods.

The solution is a formal railroad crossing that facilitates pedestrian
and bicycle access from Olive Drive to the core area of town. In
recent months, representatives from DJUSD, the City, and Union Pacific
Railroad have met to explore options. These will not be easy. A
grade-separated crossing (like a bridge or a tunnel), which Union
Pacific prefers, will cost millions of dollars. An at-grade crossing,
with signals and crossing guards, could cost less than a million
dollars, but Railroad and Public Utilities Commission approval will be
a challenge.

Although an immediate solution is not at hand, there is hope. The
State of California recently announced approximately $25 million in
funding for safe routes to schools. Individual projects may receive up
to $900,000. The City presently is preparing this grant application.
Competition for these funds is intense and community support is
critical to success.

Please express your support for the City's application for a railroad
crossing near Olive Drive. Letters should be sent to the attention of
the Robert Clarke, City Engineer, City of Davis, 1717 Fifth Street,
Davis, CA 95616 or BClarke@cityofdavis.org
<mailto:bclarke@cityofdavis.org> and must be received by November 14,
2007.

For more information, contact Mike Adell, DJUSD Facilities Director,
at 757-5300 or madell@djusd.k12.ca.us.