HOUSTON – In the wake of the tragic loss of 15-year-old Sergio Rodriguez, the Rodriguez family is expressing their heartfelt gratitude to the Texas Legislature and those working to enhance railroad crossing safety.
Sergio was fatally struck by a train near Milby High School on December 9, 2024, a heartbreaking incident that has galvanized community efforts to prevent similar tragedies.
“We are deeply grateful to the Texas Legislature and all those working to improve railroad crossing safety,” the Rodriguez family said in a statement to KPRC 2. “It means so much to our family to see efforts being made in his honor to make our communities safer. No family should have to endure the heartbreak of losing a child in a preventable accident.”
Tuesday, the Texas Senate will vote on a symbolic resolution urging Houston City Council to build a pedestrian bridge. State Senator Carol Alvarado authored the resolution.
“We need to offer a solution. And unfortunately, this comes after a tragedy,” Alvarado told KPRC 2’s Rilwan Balogun. “It is a little unprecedented on what we’re doing. So, there are a couple of things that have to happen in order for us to spend the money to do this.”
The first part of the plan is the passage of the resolution. And while the resolution isn’t law-abiding, the senator found a way to get funding towards it.
Alvarado was able to include a $10 million rider in Senate Bill 1, the budget proposal, that would require the state to pay for a portion of the bridge with the City of Houston paying a small portion.
“Tiny match, I believe it’s maybe 10%, but we secured it was a rider that I submitted to the budget,” Alvarado said. “And I have to thank Lieutenant Governor Patrick, who has been advocating for this and tasked me with it. It is not easy to get money for these kind of things, and it’s happening at a record speed of time. So, we’re very proud of the partnerships.”
In addition to the bridge, recent legislation has been introduced to create a grant program for railroad grade separation projects. Senate Bill 1555, authored by Senator Robert Nicols of Jacksonville and co-authored by Alvarado, will allow TXDOT to complete “projects that are located at intersections of railroads and roadways that are not part of the state highway system.”
“There are a lot of different parts that had to come together. And we’re doing this on the day that we’re also passing the budget. So that money will be in the budget today,” Alvarado explained. “And, and then it goes over to the House and I’m pretty confident it’ll stay in there.”
Following Sergio’s death, Houston ISD’s Superintendent Mike Miles said there were 118 schools in the district impacted by railroad tracks, specifically ones students might cross to and from school.
“But there are nine that are the most severe,” Miles said in December. “Those are the ones, we think, we can try to address if we work together with all of the governmental agencies and the Union Pacific.”
- Milby High – 1601 Broadway St, Houston, TX 77012
- Waltrip High - 1900 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018
- McReynolds Middle - 5910 Market Houston, TX 77020
- Forest Brook Middle - 7525 Tidwell Rd, Houston, TX 77016
- Kashmere High - 6900 Wileyvale Rd, Houston, TX 77028
- Cook Elementary - 7115 Lockwood Dr, Houston, TX 77016
- Burnet Elementary - 5403 Canal St, Houston, TX 77011
- Tijerina Elementary - 6501 Sherman St, Houston, TX 77011
- Roosevelt Elementary - 6700 Fulton St, Houston, TX 77022
KPRC 2 reached out to HISD regarding the resolution but has not yet heard back.
The mayor’s office said the city is collaborating with the state and others about “ensuring the overpass is constructed. Houston Public Works is providing technical guidance and working with Union Pacific.”
“Mayor Whitmire not only supports installing a pedestrian overpass at that location, he was the first to propose it following the tragic, fatal incident involving Milby HS student Sergio Rodriguez,” the mayor’s spokesperson said to KPRC 2. “This is a safety issue, and the mayor is pleased to see a critically needed project moving forward with the leadership of State Sen. Alvarado and the support of Lt. Gov. Patrick.”
Union Pacific has committed to collaborating with local officials to enhance safety measures.
“We will continue collaborating with Mayor Whitmire and the city on proposed grade separation and rail safety projects,” the company stated, expressing support for the new grant program. “Public safety is important to Union Pacific and we will continue collaborating with Mayor Whitmire and the city on proposed grade separation and rail safety projects.”
The Rodriguez family finds solace in knowing that their son’s legacy will contribute to meaningful change in the community.
“While nothing can bring Sergio back, we find comfort in knowing that his legacy will contribute to meaningful change that helps protect others from similar tragedies,” they shared.
Rodriguez Family Statement:
“We are deeply grateful to the Texas Legislature and all those working to improve railroad crossing safety. It means so much to our family to see efforts being made in his honor to make our communities safer. No family should have to endure the heartbreak of losing a child in a preventable accident. While nothing can bring Sergio back, we find comfort in knowing that his legacy will contribute to meaningful change that helps protect others from similar tragedies.
We appreciate the commitment of lawmakers, safety advocates, and everyone involved in making these much-needed improvements a reality. Thank you for ensuring that Sergio’s memory will serve as a force for positive change.”
Houston Mayor John Whitmire Statement:
“Mayor Whitmire not only supports installing a pedestrian overpass at that location, he was the first to propose it following the tragic, fatal incident involving Milby HS student Sergio Rodriguez. This is a safety issue, and the mayor is pleased to see a critically needed project moving forward with the leadership of State Sen. Alvarado and the support of Lt. Gov. Patrick.
The city is collaborating with the state and all stakeholders to ensure the overpass is constructed. Houston Public Works is providing technical guidance and working with Union Pacific.”
Union Pacific Statement:
“Public safety is important to Union Pacific and we will continue collaborating with Mayor Whitmire and the city on proposed grade separation and rail safety projects. We applaud recent legislation that establishes a grade separation grant program and will continue reviewing proposals for financial contributions as project plans progress.”
