Chapter Sixteen — What Potholes?

About a mile and a half from the campground is a railroad crossing with about three sets of tracks and a LOT of potholes, one at least the size of a half of a tire! Maneuvering around the potholes required some dexterity, oftentimes going into the other lane if there was no traffic coming the other way. Everyone who knew about them went really slow. We’d occasionally be behind someone and knew they weren’t familiar with the area.

One day, we were stopped by a train, and I looked over to my right, and there on the electrical box was a sign. I grabbed my phone and took a photo. There was all the information about the grade crossing… and a phone number to call!! Really? No one has ever called about this crossing?!!

So I did! I talked to a very nice young lady at Union Pacific RR, and explained the situation. She replied that she would pass on the information to her supervisor. I wonder how many people got flat tires or damage to their cars and didn’t bother to make a phone call.

That’s all it took. Within about three weeks, the railroad crossing had signs “road will be closed beginning 7/14 for 12 days.” Wow, phone calls can work wonders! Sure enough... on the 14th the railroad crossing was closed and work began. They tore up the entire intersection and repaired it… in one week!

My only dismay was there were no detour signs. Not having lived here very long, we had to figured that out on our own. It took us out of the way about a mile or two, but it was so worth it to have a nice crossing, which is the only way to get into town from here. Thank you, Union Pacific!! You rock, so we can roll!