Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) welcomed the news that CSX has replaced the equipment at the Van Buren railroad crossing in Dunkirk.
“We were notified today that new equipment was put in place this weekend,” said Congressman Higgins. “This crossing has been a concern for local residents for quite a long time. Local residents rightfully fought for changes and today we are hopeful that this new equipment makes this a safer and more predictable route for all who cross.”
Congressman Higgins’ office first became aware of concerns about the safety of the crossing through a meeting with Robin Putnam-Cordovano, who lost her son Zachary in a tragic accident at the crossing that killed three people on October 10, 2009.
Ms. Putnam-Cordovano said, “My family and I wish to thank Congressman Higgins and his staff for their role in the recent changes that were made at the Van Buren crossing. Our pursuit of railroad crossing safety has been tremendously aided by Congressman Higgins swift action and his diligent effort.”
On September 27, 2011 Congressman Higgins wrote a letter to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requesting a review and resolution. The FRA reported to Congressman Higgins on December 6, 2011 that they completed their investigation. Higgins’ office, with the help of the community, continued to monitor the location and request for action from CSX.
Ms. Cordovano provided a video segment accounting frequent problems at the site and the Congressman passed the video evidence along to federal agencies. (The video can be downloaded here: http://bit.ly/q2tJsB.)
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