Houston launches 'Train Watch' tool to help track blocked train crossings

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- In an effort to keep track of blocked train crossings, the city has launched a new tool that will provide real-time updates.

The page, titled Train Watch, also includes a live crossing status map, the city says, will hopefully help you be able to plan out your day. The interactive map, according to the city, will indicate whether a crossing is currently occupied or open.

The city added that the network will continue to get better as the network of railroad crossing sensors will be expanded in the future.

If there is a blocked crossing, you can also report the incident to the Federal Railroad Administration. When reporting a blocked crossing, the city says you should be able to provide the following: the exact location, date, and time the crossing became blocked.

Train safety and blocked crossings across Houston have been issues Eyewitness News has reported on for months.

Last year, 15-year-old Sergio Rodriguez was killed while crossing the tracks near Milby High School. Following his death, Union Pacific suspended train operations during school drop-off and pick-up times.

Last week, we learned the decision was made to resume normal operations.

"Ideally, I would have liked to see the operations they had implemented previously to stay intact until the crosswalk was built, and I'm disappointed it's not going to happen that way," Senator Carol Alvarado told ABC13 earlier this month.

Councilman Joaquin Martinez says $10 million in state funding has been approved to build a pedestrian bridge.

It's a process that will take time to complete.

The city says the train watch page will also be used to update efforts to enhance rail safety.

If you come across a blocked crossing, you can also call 311.

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