After the death of Milby HS student Sergio Rodriguez, Union Pacific put a curfew on its trains. The curfew is now over — disappointing to one state lawmaker.
HOUSTON — Houston ISD students are preparing for the first day of school. For students who walk to campuses like Milby High School, they might have to risk crossing a train track to get to class.
Leaders are working on solutions to keep students safe. An improved sidewalk and fence, built by Union Pacific contractors, will enhance safety for pedestrians, particularly students walking to Milby High School.
This comes after a student, Sergio Rodriguez, was tragically killed attempting to cross in front of a train in December.
The location where Rodriguez was killed, near Highway 3 and Broadway, has long been a concern for residents. Trains frequently block crossings for extended periods, creating dangerous situations for pedestrians and frustrating delays for emergency responders.
A 10th grader at Milby High School told KHOU 11 reporter Troy Kless that sometimes kids will cross the train if it’s stopped on the tracks to avoid being late to class.
Union Pacific told KHOU 11 it is educating students and families about rail safety, including at recent back-to-school events. That will be key because Union Pacific is lifting the curfew on train traffic that began shortly after Rodriguez’s death — meaning trains might pass during arrival and dismissal times for students.
State Senator Carol Alvarado, who represents the area, said she is disappointed with the move.
“We’re going to ask them to reconsider that…I think kids will have on their mind what transpired there, losing a classmate, a friend,” Sen. Alvarado said
Union Pacific tells KHOU 11 News in a statement that normal traffic had to resume because the curfew was causing delays and blockages in other parts of town.
Houston ISD, TxDOT, Union Pacific and the City of Houston are all collaborating to build a pedestrian bridge named after Rodriguez. The bridge is in the early planning stages, according to HISD.
“The city, Mayor Whitmire and his administration, they’ve been all in 100 percent since the beginning,” Sen. Alvarado said.
Meanwhile, students say it’s sad that barriers and bridges are only going up after someone has died. Cities and counties can start applying for the state grant money starting September 1.