DOTD safety move irks town officials

Written by jrood

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development wants to give the town a raised median and safety gates at the Hwy. 22 railroad crossing, but some town officials don’t want it, the Gonzales, La., Weekly Citizen reports. DOTD engineer Bill Shrewsberry said construction would probably start late this year or early next, in an effort to improve safety.  

The engineer indicated he
was unprepared to answer questions about the railway going through town, but
said safety issues were at the heart of the proposed 150-foot median and safety
gate. The installation would be based on traffic loads, two wrecks that have
occurred a the site since 2000, and possible train speeds of 79 mph if a New
Orleans-to-Baton Rouge passenger train begins operation in the future.

 

Councilman Lionel
Melancon Jr. said he was against the proposal because it would hurt business in
town and create access issues in some parts of Sorrento. Melancon, a truck
driver, said the proposal would also make turning difficult for
tractor-trailers and make the roadway more dangerous when they are making
turns.

 

Melancon was supported by
other members of the council, who said they would write a letter to DOTD with
their objections. Mayor Blake Melancon said he was genuinely concerned about
resident safety in certain parts of town if an evacuation was needed in the
vent of a catastrophic emergency.

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