Councilmembers learned some students were crossing underneath the train to get to class, so a solution to that safety issue is in the works.
HOUSTON — A train track on Houston’s east side is a headache for pedestrian traffic. The tracks near the corner of Market Street and Zindler Street also make kids late to class at McReynolds Middle School.
In the summer before 10th grade, Nevan Mixon will walk or ride his bicycle to the H-Town Boxing Gym off of Lyons Avenue. There are two train tracks along his route, including the one by McReynolds.
“The train will be in the way, and I’ll climb underneath [because] the train will be here for two hours, I don’t want to waste my time, I have lessons at a certain time,” Mixon told KHOU 11. “It also causes problems for my mom going to work and for me going to school.”
Last year at a town hall event, District H Councilman Mario Castillo learned about the issue from concerned residents.
“They didn’t want a tragedy to occur. And so with Public Works and Union Pacific being there, we figured we needed to do something,” he said.
Castillo says Union Pacific implemented a curfew during the start and end of days to potentially alleviate moving trains when students who are walking to class.
This week, Houston City Council approved a request for a $4.6 million grant from TxDOT to fund the project. Castillo says both the city and Harris County will put up some funds for the project, which costs a total of $5.8 million.
TxDOT has money available from its Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside program. According to program documents, the target date for applications is October 2025.
Getting the grant will possibly be a step toward safety for Mixon and many others.
“Save time and save lives because, you know it’s true, you can never know what happens at a train track,” Mixon said.