HomeMy WebLinkAboutNancy HollingsheadNovember 15, 2002
Montana Rail Link
P.O. Box 16390
101 International Way
Missoula, MT 59808
Dear Montana Rail Link,
I am writing in regards to a safety hazard which has continued for a number of years. Off and on
over the years I have brought the situation to the attention of various agencies. No one seems to
know who is responsible, nor really care. It is my hope this letter will at least find the responsible
party and get the situation attended to.
Problem: Laurel has a railway bridge which divides the town's business & residential areas.
Walking under the bridge along a walkway is the only legal way to walk or ride a bike from one
area to the other. Another route is available at 5th Avenue, but is some distance away and indirect
if on foot. Years ago the underpass road & walkway were lit. However after the railroad did
some work on the bridge the lighting was never replaced. This makes the walkway very, very
dark. The pillars provide even darker recesses along the walkway. Many young people use the
walkway going to the fast food restaurants; people (many women) must use the walkway to get to
& from work. Many times people out for a sl~oll travel under the bridge. It is not safe to have it
unlit. Unsafe because if someone were to fall or need some assistance they could not be seen.
Additionally our town has experienced 2 murders which to this day remain unsolved. Laurel has
many l~ansients who loiter near the tracks, fast food establishments, and the park beside the
bridge. A lone person going through the walkway is made additionally vulnerable due to the
darkness. Once under the bridge on the walkway a person is hemmed in. 2~nis situation is
potentially dangerous.
Periodically I have made calls to the Raikoad, the Police Depamnent, and the Highway
Department. Every time they say the same things: 1) they are unaware it was ever lit or that it
isn't lit now. 2) they don't know who would be responsible, but will make some inquiries.
Nothing. It then gets dropped by those I've called and even myself. I only get motivated when
the situation touches my life in some way. Usually when someone I know or if I have an
occasion to walk under the bridge at night. Now that darkness arrives so much earlier this will
happen more frequently. Also when women remark about being uncomfortable walking through
there, or situations arrise walking under the bridge I get stirred to action. At least one young lady
without transportation & works a night shift keeps a knife in her hand walking under the bridge,
but will that be enough?
Please examine the situation. If the underpass lighting is Montana Rail Links' responsibility,
would you quickly get it taken care of?. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Nancy Hollingshead
419 Maple Ave.
Laurel, MT 59044
406-628-2121