Some reckless drivers in Socorro are making a major railroad project under way more hectic than it already is as they try to make their own route through the construction sites.
KFOX14 first told you about this major project under way in Socorro Monday.

The Union Pacific is replacing the pads that hold the tracks together at all the railroad crossings and the city is following suit and re-paving the surrounding roadways.

Crews got started on Inglewood and Moon roads, moved to Rio Vista Road and will go on to Horizon Boulevard and Bauman Road.

It has caused traffic delays, but just days after it started police Lt. Jose Alvarez tells KFOX crews ran into problems they didn't see coming.

"We've had everything from people actually moving the actual barricade out of the way to people crossing over the railroad itself when it's not completely finished and other people getting stuck," said Alvarez.

All of this delaying the project because the two drivers who cut through the work zone got stuck in wet cement, forcing workers to repave these areas.

Alvarez said drivers aren't just causing damage, they are putting their lives in jeopardy because despite the roadwork under way, the train is still passing through overnight.

"Luckily we've been able to notify Union Pacific so they're able to stop the train," he said.

Two of those reckless drivers got away before police arrived but Alvarez has another warning for others.

"They need to understand that they are looking at anything from a citation to a federal offense for moving or tampering with railroad property," said Alvarez.

Monday the Socorro Independent School District will be back from vacation and traffic will be busier.

The closure on Horizon Boulevard has been pushed back to next Wednesday which will give parents time to prepare for any traffic delays and plan an alternate route.

Crews will start on Bauman Road the week after but there is no set date yet.