Deadly crossing at Ashdown subject of discussion

ASHDOWN — Representatives from Ashdown and the Kansas City Southern Railway Co. say that after the death of another motorist in a train-vehicle accident they need to discuss again whether to close any of five crossings in the city.

Bobbie Calloway, 41, died Nov. 23 when a train struck her car. Hers was the fourth death at an Ashdown crossing since 2009.

Mayor Carroll McLarty placed a train-crossing discussion on Monday's City Council agenda. Council members have rejected previous attempts to close crossings.

Railroad spokesman Doniele Carlson said Kansas City Southern suggested two options previously and is ready to talk to the city again.

The railroad most-recent proposal would have seen the railroad and state pay to close two crossings and upgrade lights and gates at the three remaining intersections. An earlier one would have given the city money for each crossing it closed — with no restrictions on how the community used the funds.

McLarty told the Texarkana Gazette that residents want all crossings to remain open.

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