Local

Call to make Tacoma railroad crossing safer

There are still flowers at the intersection of railroad tracks and McCarver Street near the spot where two people lost their lives.

On Nov. 18, 28-year-old Alexandria Lewis was crossing the tracks returning to work at a nearby law office after a break. One train had passed and she thought the way was clear.

Lewis didn't see the oncoming Amtrak train that killed her.

"She was just a joy, such a joy to work with," said Phil deMaine, an attorney at the office were Lewis was employed.

Phil deMaine said he and others in the office decided something needed to be done, and he's calling on the city of Tacoma to make the railroad crossing safer.

The crossing is owned and operated by BNSF Railway, but deMaine said when contacted them he was told they were not responsible for safety measures that abut the tracks. That’s up to local municipalities.

Phil deMaine points out there are no barriers at the crossing for pedestrians, only for cars. There aren't even signs warning people that just because a train has passed, that doesn't mean the tracks are clear and safe.

"It has nothing to do with their inattention," deMaine said. "They're lured into a false sense of security by inadequate signage and inadequate gates."

A year earlier, in November 2015, a member of the Tacoma Runners group was killed in virtually the same spot.

Like Lewis, 31-year-old Cale Tyler was crossing tracks near the intersection and thought they were clear when he was hit and killed by an Amtrak train.

Locals say with more people moving to the waterfront, and more people visiting new restaurants and shops, the crossing is getting even more dangerous.

“We’ve got a lot of development on the waterfront now and it’s changing the dynamics. It’s changing the traffic,” said Nancy Norton, who lives in Tacoma’s Old Town district.

Phil deMaine said he has been in touch with the Tacoma City Council, urging them to work on upgrades in safety at the intersection. He said Deputy Mayor Robert Thoms told him he was working on a plan for the site and would be in contact regarding safety upgrades within 90 days regarding safety upgrades.

KIRO 7 called Thoms’ office to ask about the progress of those plans. The call was not returned.