New safety measures proposed for Baton Rouge railroad crossings to prevent future accidents

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - A proposed multi-million-dollar project could bring major safety improvements to several railroad crossings across Baton Rouge, including one that residents say has been the site of serious accidents.

Robert Pitts lives just feet away from a railroad crossing near North 15th Street and says concerns about safety are never far from his mind.

“I was here when a lady got ran over by a train,” Pitts said.

The crossing is one of several in Baton Rouge that either lack modern warning devices or have aging equipment. Unlike some crossings equipped with gate arms, the North Street and N. 15th Street crossing relies on flashing lights to warn drivers of approaching trains.

Pitts said he supports plans to upgrade the crossing and others across the city.

“Whatever they can do to secure this to make it more safer, would be good for the people,” he said.

The proposed project carries a price tag of more than $2 million and would fund improvements at railroad crossings on North Street, Main Street, Wisteria Street, South Boulevard and Terrace Avenue. The plan would also change 15^th Street between Main Street and North Street into a one-way street to accommodate the active warning device upgrades.

According to city-parish officials, the project would be paid for through a combination of federal grant funding from the Federal Railroad Administration and the Federal Highway Administration.

East Baton Rouge Transportation Director Fred Raiford said the upgrades are needed to reduce the risk of accidents and improve safety for drivers.

“Well, I’ve heard from people who will tell me that all the time. They will say they can beat that train before it comes across, but we don’t want those types of situations to happen,” Raiford said.

Raiford said trying to outrun a train is a gamble drivers should never take.

“You won’t win that race. The train will win that race,” he said.

The project is still in the early planning stages. Final designs must be completed before the work can go out for bid. Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development leaders hope to have the project underway by 2027.

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