Ashdown railroad crossing most dangerous in state

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Updated: 10/19/2012 8:49 am

Published: 10/19/2012 8:48 am

ASHDOWN, Ark. (AP) — Officials in Ashdown are debating whether to close railroad crossings within city limits after the Locke Street crossing was named the most hazardous in the state.

The Texarkana Gazette reports there have been 14 accidents at the crossing since 2003 — which include three fatalities.

The crossing is on the Kansas City Southern track. There are no mechanical barricades or flashing lights to warn drivers of oncoming train traffic.

Officials say Kansas City Southern is offering incentive of $100,000 to the city if Ashdown closes the two crossings within city limits. Steve Weston of the state highway department says closing railroad crossings eliminates maintenance and liability for the railroad.

The Ashdown City Council plans to vote next week on whether to close the crossings.

Associated Press

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ArkansasYankee - 10/19/2012 7:27 PM

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I'm with you wp. Many years ago in Tucson, I came upon a RR crossing. The gates were not down, and the lights were not flashing; but out of the corner of my eye, I saw movement. A lone box car was rolling at a pretty good clip down the tracks. I stopped in time to watch the car roll by. Ever since then, I look both ways regardless of lights and crossing bars. My brother has worked for 3 railroads; I hear stories of idiot drivers all the time. I would imagine that most fatalities are a result of people trying to "beat" the train because they are in a hurry. To get to the cemetery!

wpsark - 10/19/2012 10:43 AM

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I don't see how anyone could be hit by a train, even without the warning lights and barricade..It's a TRAIN!!! Maybe those 14 accidents were b/c some people had a deathwish. I always listen and look to make sure there's not a train coming when I cross the tracks, even with the barricades and flashing lights.

DonWalters - 10/19/2012 9:50 AM

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Wouldn't it be better to just use the $100k to add the mechanical barricades? I'm surprised there are so many accidents at that intersection. I've driven past there a few times myself. If you look at it on Google maps street view, you'll see how it looks. I keep wondering how there are so many accidents there. You can clearly see a country mile in both directions whether there is a train coming.

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