In January of 2020, one of the top public safety issues Bartholomew County officials identified was making railroad crossings safer.
So the commissioners, highway engineer and county maintenance supervisor came up with a blueprint identifying improvements for seven different crossings.
While COVID-19 has changed much since the initial plans were laid out, the county hasn’t put the problem on the back-burner.
After upgrades were scheduled for at least three railroad crossings in 2020, it was confirmed this past week that the county is planning on adding cross arms and flashing lights to at least five more crossings to reduce vehicle-train collisions in 2021.
These type of incidents have been a real issue in the county over the last few years.
In late 2018, four individuals died within five weeks in vehicle accidents with trains.
This past year, there were at least three vehicle vs. train collisions, including one fatality.
But these types of accidents aren’t just an issue for Bartholomew County.
According to preliminary 2020 data by the Federal Railroad Administration Statistics, Indiana had 93 total collisions at highway-rail grade crossings last year, including 29 that resulted in injuries and eight deaths. Only Texas (186), California (150, Georgia (100) and Illinois (98) had more collisions.
While the improvements are long overdue, the county deserves some credit for getting the job done despite all of the challenges it has faced this past year.
These safety precautions are necessary to our county, and will help save lives.
