Trinidad train crossing slated for improvements, prone to accidents

In light of the train crash that killed five people, including three young children, on Sunday KRDO NewsChannel 13 is looking into Amtrak safety regulations.

The Colorado Department of Transportation says the railroad crossing where the deadly crash happened is slated for improvements, and has been for years.

State Department of Transportation spokeswoman Amy Ford says the area is prone to accidents, and CDOT is working to add flashers, gates, and a constant warning system at the crossing.

The cost is about $230,000 total.

In the meantime, first responders are issuing a warning to proceed through all train crossings with caution.

“Not every crossing has a crossing guard that comes down and stops the vehicle, you have to use your senses, roll down a window, look for a train coming,” said Captain Steve Wilch with the Colorado Springs Fire Dept.

CDOT works on a dozen similar projects around the state per year, which rank in priority using factors like accidents and traffic volume through crossings.