Houston Mayor John Whitmire met with Union Pacific President Beth Whited on Tuesday to address rail safety concerns following the death of a Milby High School student who was hit by a train last week.
Union Pacific announced immediate operational changes, including halting train activity near Broadway Street during school drop-off and pick-up times. The company also plans to extend sidewalks near the crossing as part of its collaboration with the city on long-term safety solutions and community outreach.
Union Pacific shared its commitment to improving safety: ”Union Pacific appreciated today’s meeting with Houston Mayor John Whitmire. We agreed to immediately adjust our operations to avoid running trains near Milby High School for one hour during school drop-off and pick-up times and extending the sidewalks to enhance the crossing, while we collaborate on long-term solutions and additional rail safety outreach efforts.”
Whitmire has also been involved in discussions with Union Pacific, looking into potential long-term solutions, including the possibility of building a pedestrian bridge over the tracks. The mayor previously expressed his support for ongoing collaboration between the city and the railroad company.
" It’s interesting, I was talking about a skywalk, and it was presented to me that a better solution might be boring underneath the track, maybe going under instead of over.” Whitmire said.
Whitmire added that the cost and who might pay for it, is still being worked out.
What happened?
Sergio Ivan Rodriguez, a 10th-grade Milby High School student was struck and killed by a moving train on Dec. 9. The incident happened at 2000 Broadway Street near Galveston Road around 7:35 a.m.
According to police, the teen was attempting to cross the train tracks as the train approached. The crossing lights and safety arms were operational at the time.
In response to safety concerns, the Houston Independent School District reminded parents that students who have unsafe paths to school can request transportation. HISD encouraged parents to explore these options and emphasized their commitment to student safety.
Families and community leaders, including members of LULAC Council 60, have been vocal in their calls for safety improvements at the crossing. Many residents say students frequently cross the tracks, sometimes even navigating parked trains to get to school.
“There’s obviously a sense of urgency,” said Daniel Saenz, vice president of LULAC Council 60. “I hope Union Pacific understands that and remains open to further conversations.”
Last weekend, a town hall meeting brought community members together to call for immediate safety measures. Parents shared their concerns about children crossing the tracks daily and urged HISD to address the dangers.
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