HOUSTON — Trains stopping for hours and blocking intersections in Houston's East End have led some people to walk over or under the train, leaving many concerned.
These residents took their concerns to Houston City Council to get answers on what the council will do to prevent someone from getting hurt.
They want to ensure the mayor and the council are doing enough to apply for grants to help build a safe passage.
"A train blockage for 12 hours," said Lindsay Williams, a resident and super neighborhood president. "It's terrifying when I see videos of mothers pulling kids through stopped train. People pulling bikes and scooters. It's terrifying. This is my community and my home. My neighbors and my friends."
But it’s not just people, it’s also hurting first responders. Houston Fire Chief Samuel Pena said every month, they average 90 incidents of emergency crews rerouting a blocked at-rate crossing.
Pena said to the railroad's credit, Union Pacific installed live cameras at the crossings to give first responders a heads-up.
"If it's blocked then crews know to go a different route from the beginning," Pena said.
Residents are concerned the cameras are not enough. They want what's known as a grade separation, which could be a bridge or tunnel that would allow traffic to keep moving when a train stops.
"The city has not applied for grants in the last 3 years," Williams said during a city council meeting.
"You said in the last several years. I think I have been here 116 days give or take we will make it a top priority," Mayor John Whitmire responded.
District 1 councilmember Joaquin Martinez, who represents Houston's East End, said they are not forgotten and he understands this area has the highest train blocking.
He said he will do what he can to ensure the mayor and the city are looking for that cash.
"We won't stop applying for grants," Martinez said.
In the meantime, residents are optimistic they have some traction and hope something is done before someone gets hurt.
"It's awful to think something could happen to them even then is that going to be enough," Williams said.
KHOU 11 News reached out to Union Pacific and they said they couldn't find any records of a train being stopped for 12 hours on May 13, 2024, but they encourage anyone to report a blocked crossing.