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.