Family wants changes at railroad crossing after parents' death
MORRISVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Late Tuesday night, a family made the tough decision to come to the intersection of Chapel Hill and Morrisville-Carpenter Roads. They parked their van and started walking the tracks that run alongside the road.
They wanted to see exactly where their loved ones were killed after their car collided with a train.
Carolyn Cameron's parents died in the accident.
"They just have to do something to save people lives because it's just so terrible," she said.
William and Dorothy Flint, of Cary, were killed Saturday night, Nov. 14. They were both in their eighties.
There have been three serious crashes in the last eight years at the intersection. Two of the accidents lead to fatalities.
In August 2014, a Southern Pines couple was killed. Investigators said their car was pushed almost a mile down the tracks before the train could stop.
Over the weekend, the Flints died after police say they made a wrong turn.
"They did nothing after the last time. There's just no reason for it to be this dark when they have such a dangerous intersection," said Cameron.
The Department of Transportation says they will be investigating and looking for ways to improve safety in the wake of this latest accident.
The DOT says they'll consider adding more lighting or installing a sensor that'll lift the crossarms if someone were get stuck on the tracks.
"Our engineers will be collaborating with the Town of Morrisville and with our Highway Division folks. We'll take a look at the intersection, see what we can do as far as striping, see if there's any applications for new technology," said NCDOT Rail Director Paul Worley.
The family hopes something is done soon for the thousands of drivers who use the road.
"It's too late for us, but I want it to not be too late for someone else," said Cameron.
In 2009, some improvement were made to the intersection. One lane of traffic was added, and concrete islands and return lanes were installed. The Town of Morrisville paid for the work.
