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Families urge Huntsville to press ALDOT for safety upgrades at Salty Bottom Road crossing after two recent deaths
Summary
At the June 11 meeting, family members and supporters asked the council to work with ALDOT to install lights, gates and crossing arms at the unprotected Salty Bottom Road crossing following multiple fatalities; speakers offered to help with local matching funds and urged urgent action.
A group of residents and family members urged the Huntsville City Council on June 11 to seek safety upgrades at the unprotected railroad crossing on Salty Bottom Road following multiple fatalities.
"Two families changed forever at a crossing that gave no warning, no barrier, and no second chance," said Johnia (Tonya) Hawkins, who described long-term family hardship after a 2004 train collision that seriously injured her father and recounted that last month Keegan and McKinley Davis were killed at the same crossing. Hawkins asked the council to work with the Alabama Department of Transportation to install lights, bells and crossing arms at Salty Bottom and said community members were willing to contribute toward local matching funds if that is a barrier.
Council members expressed condolences for the families and the chair said staff would note the request; no formal action or vote was recorded on the matter during the meeting. The speakers said the crossing carries more than 2,100 vehicles per day and has had multiple fatal incidents, and called for upgrades to prevent further loss.
Next steps: no formal item was introduced; Hawkins and supporters asked the council to pursue coordination with ALDOT and to explore potential local contributions to match funding for safety improvements.
