The Delta independent., 1916-06-02
Smooth Grade Crossings Ordered.

and electric railroad companies oper-
ating within the State of Colorado
must begin Immediately the construc-
ton and maintenance of safe, smooth
crossings at grade with all public
highways. such crossings to be con-
structed in conformity with uniform
plans and specifications set forth in
an order issued today by the State
Public Utilities Commission.
Each common carrier must furnish
also sketches and data concerning
each public highway crossing on its
lines, this information to be filed with
the Commission within 80 days on
forms to be furnished by the Commits
nation will be made a permanent file
in the office of the Commission.
The order affects every common
carrier operating within the state,
whether interstate or interstate in
character, and will apply to 1876 grade
crossings, only 254 of which are pro-
tected at present by gates, flagmen,
'wig-wag' signals, bells, or other
safety devices in addition to the Gus
tomary crossing signs.
1t was made following an exhaus-
tive investigation by members of the
Commission and employees, who found
many of the 3422 unprotected grade
crossings, and some of the protected
grade crossings, dangerous in that the
approaches thereto, as well as the
crossings themselves, contained ruts
and humps and uneven road sur
facing
The Commission held formal
hearing in its rooms at the State Cap
itol building, practically all of the car
riers being represented, these repre-
sentatives being given opportunity to
enter protests and make suggestions
relative to the best manner of treat
ing the question. Little of import
ance was developed, and nothing to
controvert the evidence introduced
and the testimony of Mr.. d. S. Hooker.
civil engineer for the Commission.
Engineers for the carriers were given
further opportunity to present sug-
gestions at a conference arranged be-
tween them and Engineer Hooker on
May 16. All were of the opinion that
in many cases a general requirement
could not be carried out because of
the physical characteristics of indi-
vidual crossings, and in view of this
contention. the Commission, in its
order of today, provides that upon any
carrier making showing of such physi-
cal obstacles the order will be modi-
fled in specific instances to meet the
exigencies of the situation.
The specifications call for an ap-
proach of not less than 20 feet. at not
more than six per cent grade, and
not less than "a feet wide, to all rail-
way crossings at grade with State
highways. whether primary or second
airy; that the surface of the approach
be smooth and on a level, or on a
uniform grade. with the tops of the
ao'c' "tsh oNtNSSh thC
and for one foot outside of each rail;
That crossings at grade with all
public highways other than State
highways be maintained with 90 foot
width. nor of more than six per cent
grade, and with plankins fer a: least
ten inches on either side of each rail
and not less than sixteen feet in
width on all such crossings within the
limits of cities and towns, and
That each career furnish the Com
mission within ninety days, infforma-
ton to be given upon forms to be
furnished the carriers by the Commits
sion showing for each railroad cross
ing at grade the railway alignment
and grade: the section, township,
range and county,. "a cross-section
sketch of the crossing, the approaches
thereto and the crown of the roadway
and the rate OF grade of the roadway;
the physical condition on either side
of the crossing, with relation to cuts,
trees, fills, buildings and other OBJ
structions interfering with the view
of approaching trains; the protection
afforded at the crossing. If any. and
the daily number. direction and speed
of the trains operated over the cross
ing.
In its opinion OF today, the Com
mission calls attention to the fact
that Mr.. II. U. Nudge. president OF