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Long trains blocking crossings flagged as safety concern in Kismet
Summary
Officials said long freight trains blocking crossings have been a recurring safety problem that complicates emergency response; the county said it had sought help up to the federal level with limited success.
During the May 8 meeting, county staff flagged long freight trains blocking grade crossings as a safety problem that can delay emergency response. The interim emergency manager (S8) said the county has raised the issue with state and federal officials but that railroads resist operational changes.
"We've had several discussions with the railroad, and we've gone as far as Topeka and even Senator Moran at the federal level has tried to work on the railroad issue for us," S8 said, describing unsuccessful attempts to secure more timely train movements or mitigation. Attendees noted that longer trains and infrequent crossings increase risks for towns like Kismet that rely on short travel times for first responders.
Officials said the railroad issue remains unresolved; the county will continue advocacy while emergency planners consider routing and pre-planning around blocked crossings during incidents.
