Scalise Announces Agreement on Dangerous Old Metairie Train Issue

Statement

House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement announcing an agreement by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads to address the safety issue of trains blocking intersections on roadways in Old Metairie:

"I'm very happy to announce that we have reached an agreement with Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific railroads to move the crew exchange point out of residential areas and back to the I-10 rail bridge crossing near Metairie Cemetery. This agreement addresses the concerns I recently raised to the top executives at Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern regarding trains blocking intersections along multiple roadways in Jefferson Parish for hours at a time. The agreement also addresses the safety concerns I brought to the railroads from the community, first responders, and local leaders. I want to thank Surface Transportation Board Chair, Ann Begeman, for her direct engagement with me to help get this safety issue resolved. I also want to thank Jefferson Parish Council Members Scott Walker and Jennifer Van Vrancken, and Senator Cameron Henry, for their involvement in helping me resolve this problem that will improve safety for thousands of families in Jefferson Parish."

Source