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Jackson council authorizes city attorney to pursue action after trains blocked downtown crossings
Summary
Council directed the city attorney to initiate legal action against Canadian Pacific Kansas City (formerly Kansas City Southern) over blocked public right-of-way at multiple Fortification Street crossings after repeated incidents where parked trains prevented vehicles, emergency responders and pedestrians from passing.
The City Council on July 8 authorized the city attorney to initiate legal action against Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKC) for repeated obstruction of public right-of-way at Fortification Street intersections, including Maple Street and Prentiss Street.
Council members said parked or stalled trains have recently blocked city streets for extended periods, preventing vehicles and emergency responders from passing. Councilman Stokes told the council the problem had recurred after a rail yard that had previously reduced such blockages moved operations and that the current situation included trains left with engines in the middle of the consist, preventing easy movement.
City Attorney Drew Martin said legal staff have begun reviewing the matter and will apply both city ordinances and state law where appropriate. Martin told the council the city has existing ordinances governing obstructions and that state law also offers remedies; he said staff would coordinate with the administration and pursue “appropriate action.”
Council approved the direction to the city attorney on a unanimous voice vote. Legal and administration staff indicated they would gather evidence and brief the council on next steps. No litigation documents were filed at the meeting — the council authorized the legal department to proceed with investigation and filings as warranted.
