Lack of Action Upsetting

September 14, 1997

Granite City Journal

TO THE EDITOR:

Sept. 15, 1997 will mark the one year anniversary of a tragic accident that took place in Mitchel. Eric Ivie, 19, was struck by an oncoming train at the intersection of Old Alton Road and Oldenburg Road, just one mile from his home.

This particular crossing has only crossbuck signs for a warning device. In most cases crossbucks would do the job the job. In this instance the crossbucks weren't enough to save Eric's life. A tall corn crop, tall and over grown tree limbs and weeds all are hazards that complicate the site of a train. Also a dangerous elevation to actual crossings impairs drivers' vision as well.

All of these components make this crossing dangerous, but when the engineer doesn't blow his whistle till he hits you, it makes the crossing deadly. 

The only way to fix this situation from occurring again is to install an automatic warning system. For a year now I have dealt with every party that has jurisdiction over this issue, to gain a greater security for the people who travel this road; also to find some sense of closure to Eric's death, that all could have been prevented. It has taken a year to get nothing accomplished. To get an automatic warning system installed at the crossing in question all (that) is needed is a letter of petition. This letter must come from Chouteau Township and must be sent to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).

For months I have  pleaded with the township to end the grief and pain caused by Eric's death and to make this road safe. What else more important does the township have to do than make their roads safe for their residents and those who use their roads?

What did Eric die for? I know the answer to that question. Eric died, a young life has been taken and still no response. Unless this automatic safety system is installed I (won't feel safe). Please be careful.

Scott C. Gauvin

Springfield