New Law Could Save Lives at Texas Train Crossings

(Mix 93-1)  The State of Texas is committing $250 million in funds to help improve railroad crossings to make them safer for pedestrians and drivers.

Railroads are a vital part of the Texas and US economies and transportation systems. Trains run along the rails to easily transport vast amounts of products across the state rather efficiently. They also take thousands of people from point A to point B within a city.

Trains run through the countryside and our towns. While freight trains and commuter trains remain confined to the tracks, people and other vehicles sometimes get in their path, and the outcome usually isn't good.

We see train tracks running right through Tyler, Longview, Rusk, Kilgore, Palestine, Jacksonville, Troup, Gladewater, and elsewhere in East Texas, and for the most part, they appear to be accident-free.

With so many crossing points, though, accidents will and do happen.

READ MORE --> Texas Ranks Amongst the Deadliest States for Train Accidents

Why Safer Crossings Matter in East Texas

Texas Senate Bill 1555 will set aside funds to improve railroad crossings

The new bill was passed by the Texas legislature and was signed into law by Governor Abbott on May 24th. The bill was created in response to the death of 15-year-old Sergio Rodriguez of Houston. He was killed after being struck by a train while he was crossing the tracks trying to get to his school on the other side.

This bill will allow local governments to apply for funds to help improve railroad crossing safety for drivers and passengers.

What the Funding Can Be Used For

The money can be used on overpasses, underpasses, or pedestrian walkways. The state is looking for ways to improve safety, especially if there is a school with a railroad line nearby.

The state will not completely fund a project, it must be met with at least 10% funding from an outside source.

In the Sergio Rodriguez case from Houston, the City of Houston, TxDOT, and Union Pacific have all worked together to improve the area around his school by installing a fence along the tracks near his school. All three entities are going further and coming up with a plan for a pedestrian bridge for students to use instead of crossing a set of tracks.

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When the New Law Takes Effect

This bill will go into effect on September 1, 2025.