Run trains through countryside

To the editor:

In your June 9 editorial concerning railroads, you said "Safety issues cannot be ignored" because that would be irresponsible. We agree.

The city of Sikeston believes it would be better for Union Pacific to run their trains in the countryside, not through populated areas.

In the past 10 years Union Pacific trains have been involved in 19 fatal accidents in Missouri. Five of them were in Stoddard County. All were in populated areas. None was in the countryside. Trains run safer where there are fewer people.

Union Pacific's proposal would increase train traffic across U.S. 60 from one train a week to 10 trains a day. U.S. 60 is a high-speed, four-lane extension of Interstate 57 with 11,000 cars and trucks a day. Drivers on interstate-type highways are unprepared to stop. When they don't, people die.

Our suggestion to accommodate UP's traffic is supported by Sens. Bond and Talent, Congresswoman Emerson, Gov. Blunt and state Sen. Jason Crowell. They should pursue their original plan to double-track their existing rail line between Rockview and Dexter. That made sense once to Union Pacific because they purchased the right of way to do just that. That route is 10 miles shorter.

In addition, the safety crossing features on that route would only cost taxpayers $2.5 million. The southern route will cost $24 million. This northern route is cheaper for the public and far, far safer.

MIKE MARSHALL, Mayor of Sikeston