Since 1869 the United States has been tied together by the railroad. The golden spike at Promontory Point, Utah made it possible to travel from one ocean to the other by rail.  In the history of our country the railroad played an important part of moving people westward. It played a vital role in trade, travel and commerce in our country for much of the 20^th Century.

 

Today, railroads still play a vital role in commerce. Kansas City’s position as a transportation center rests partly on the number of rail lines that come into the city. Railroads, though, cross over major and minor roads throughout the Sixth Congressional District.

 

Railroad crossings have been dangerous ever since automobiles became the preferred method of travel. In 2006, there were 362 fatalities at Missouri railroad crossings in Missouri. I do not believe that every railroad crossing is the same though. Some railroad crossings are more dangerous than others.

 

Earlier this year, I added language to the Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act that allows immediate help to upgrade railroad crossings that suffer multiple fatalities. Right now, states are forced to upgrade crossings based on their order on a list. States should have the flexibility to address problem railroad crossings without delay.

 

My amendment does not require states to address those crossings immediately. Instead it gives them the flexibility should they determine it’s necessary. Railroads are an important part of commerce in our country, but we need to do a better job of addressing problem railroad crossings immediately.

 

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