Governor Fletcher Takes Action to Increase Safety at Railroad Crossings

Press Release

Governor Fletcher Takes Action to Increase Safety at Railroad Crossings

Gates, other safety devices to be installed at 19 crossings around Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Governor Ernie Fletcher and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) officials are taking action to increase safety at 19 railroad crossings around the commonwealth by adding crossing gates and other safety equipment. The cabinet is seeking the Federal Highway Administration's approval to use $3.35 million in federal funds for the projects.

"From Day One my administration has been committed to improving safety for the traveling public," said Governor Fletcher. "We are working closely with the railroad companies to ensure that crossings have adequate safety devices in place. We have prioritized a number of crossings that will be upgraded with this funding."

Under Governor Fletcher's leadership, the Transportation Cabinet has administered more than $8 million in federal funding for railroad crossing safety upgrades in the past two years.

Operation Lifesaver, a group that focuses on railroad safety, applauded Governor Fletcher's action.

"Our core mission is to support and facilitate engineering, enforcement and education programs that will curb the number of vehicle-versus-train or trespass injury incidents," said Kentucky's state coordinator for Operation Lifesaver, Wayne Gentry. "This collaborative effort between the Governor, Transportation Cabinet and railroad companies will greatly improve safety and most surely save lives."

According to Operation Lifesaver, a person or vehicle is hit by a train every two hours in the United States. About half of all crossing collisions occur at highway-rail intersections with flashing lights and/or gates.

Under Governor Fletcher's plan, crossing gates, flashing lights and bells would be installed at the following crossings, by county:

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