San Antonio Considers Real-Time Railroad Crossing Alerts

Proposed system aims to reduce congestion, improve emergency response, and address equity concerns.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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San Antonio's City Council is considering a proposal to develop a real-time railroad crossing notification system. The system would provide drivers and first responders with live updates on train crossings, addressing persistent issues with blocked crossings that disrupt travel, delay emergency services, and disproportionately impact certain neighborhoods. The proposal seeks to leverage technology like sensors, GPS, and data-sharing to integrate crossing status into navigation apps.

Why it matters

San Antonio is one of the most rail-impacted cities in the country, with numerous at-grade railroad crossings that regularly experience extended blockages. These blockages cause significant traffic congestion, delay emergency response times, and place a greater burden on working families, transit riders, and small businesses in rail-adjacent communities. A real-time notification system could help address these equity and safety concerns.

The details

The proposal, filed by District 2 Councilmember Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, calls for the city to explore developing a Real-Time Railroad Crossing Notification System. This would leverage technology like sensors, GPS train telemetry, and data integration with navigation apps to provide drivers and first responders with live updates on crossing status. The goal is to reduce congestion, improve emergency response times, and ensure rail-adjacent communities are not disproportionately impacted by frequent train blockages.

  • On February 25, 2026, Councilmember McKee-Rodriguez filed the Council Consideration Request.
  • The proposal is anticipated to be added to an upcoming Governance Committee agenda for consideration.

The players

Jalen McKee-Rodriguez

District 2 Councilmember who filed the Council Consideration Request for the real-time railroad crossing notification system.

Union Pacific

The railroad operator that the city would seek to partner with for data sharing and coordination on the proposed system.

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What they’re saying

“Too many residents find themselves stuck at railroad crossings without warning, forced into unsafe detours or late to work, school, and critical appointments. With today's technology, we can do better. San Antonio has an opportunity to become a national leader by providing real-time railroad crossing information directly to drivers and first responders.”

— Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, District 2 Councilmember (foxsanantonio.com)

“This is about safety, efficiency, and equity. By leveraging data and public-private partnerships, we can reduce congestion, improve emergency response, lower emissions, and ensure that residents, especially those in rail-adjacent communities, are not disproportionately impacted by long train blockages.”

— Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, District 2 Councilmember (foxsanantonio.com)

What’s next

The Council Consideration Request will be added to an upcoming Governance Committee agenda for consideration by the full City Council.

The takeaway

San Antonio's proposal for a real-time railroad crossing notification system highlights the city's commitment to addressing persistent issues with blocked crossings that disrupt travel, delay emergency response, and disproportionately impact certain neighborhoods. By leveraging technology and public-private partnerships, the city aims to improve safety, efficiency, and equity for all residents.