Prior to the Regular meeting of the Grimes County Commissioners’ Court on March 20th, a public hearing was held regarding an “order providing for the closing of the Union Pacific Railroad Crossing at County Road 308 South of State Highway 105 in Grimes County, contingent upon an agreement between Union Pacific Railroad and Grimes County to fund roadway improvements in the area with additional potential funding from Texas Department of Transportation.”
Grimes County Engineer Jon Steiber, relayed that he understood the inconvenience and hardship this closure has caused the residents, but felt the closure was necessary for safety reasons.
During the public comments, two residents spoke about their concerns with emergency services response times in case of an emergency.
During the Regular Meeting of the court after the public hearing, Steiber updated the court on clarifications regarding the order and emergency services coordination.
After much discussion about the ramifications of the road closure, Precinct 4 Commissioner Phillip Cox, made a motion to approve the order citing the safety issues, however there was no second, and the motion failed.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Chad Mallett requested more information on the condition of the road in the area.
It was agreed by the court to further investigate the matter, and it will be on the agenda for the next Commissioners Court meeting.