While highway and railroad officials inspected the Pine Street railroad crossing Wednesday, a memorial cross near the tracks provided a somber reminder of two people who were killed Jan. 21 during a train-vehicle collision in Ogden, Ark.
Highway department officials and railroad officials agreed Wednesday safety improvements will made.
Ogden officials and representatives from the Kansas City Southern Railway and the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department conducted a diagnostic meeting to review the actual railroad crossing at Pine Street where the accident took place.
After the review, Steve Weston, railroad crossing coordinator for the highway department, said the crossing qualifies for lighted crossing arms and bells.
The highway and railroad officials agreed to make the changes during the next year at an estimated cost of $350,000. The federal transportation funds will pay for the project and KCS will make the improvements.
Bobby Burris, 37, and Braiden Miller, 10, both of Ogden, were killed in the 5 a.m. collision, and Linda Hobbs, 66, of Ogden was critically injured.
The car was eastbound on Pine Street when it collided with the northbound train. Police reports said the road was wet from rain and the train was traveling at 53 mph.
The crossing was included in the list of crossings considered for improvements using 2016 federal funding, said Weston.
"Based on the crossings we've recently approved for the funding, Pine Street certainly qualifies," said Weston. "The new HR (hazard rating) is well within the range to consider for the obligation of federal funds for improvement."
Ogden Mayor Sandra Furlow said it's unfortunate the fatal accident occurred.
"I'm delighted we're going to install the lights. I'm sorry it took fatalities to get it. We want to prevent another one," Furlow said.
Little River County Judge Mike Cranford praised the agencies for their cooperation.
"The fact the meeting happened and an agreement was made, it's good to get the first step going," Cranford said.
He warned drivers to use caution at the railroad crossing.
"Drivers still need to stop, look and listen before crossing a railroad track," he said.
Roy Robinson, a cousin of Burris, supports the need for safety improvements.
"I hope they will do what they say they will do. A life is the most improvement thing, not money," said Robinson.