Four railroad crossings in Duluth will be improved to enhance safety, members of the Minnesota congressional delegation announced on Monday.
The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded nearly $375,000 to replace and upgrade warning systems at crossings on Railroad Street, 45th Avenue East, 47th Avenue East and McCulloch Street, according to a joint news release from Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken and Rep. Rick Nolan, D-Crosby.
The upgrades will be designed "to improve pedestrian safety and mitigate the risks associated with cards idling over the tracks," according to the news release.
An 87-year-old Duluth man was injured on July 18, 2014, when he drove in front of an approaching North Shore Scenic Railroad train at the 45th Avenue East crossing, which is near Superior Street.
"Replacing and upgrading the warning systems will help prevent tragic accidents involving pedestrians and cars, supporting a more harmonious multimodal transportation system," Nolan said.
