HOUSTON – Tuesday marks one year since the Houston Independent School District lost one of its student-athletes in a tragic incident involving a Union Pacific train.
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On Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, Milby High School student Sergio Rodriguez was hit and killed while attempting to cross in front of a moving train on the 2000 block of Broadway Street near I-45.
The incident brought renewed attention to the safety concerns faced by students who cross railroad tracks on their way to school.
In June, Houston Mayor John Whitmire and his Intergovernmental Affairs team announced that the City of Houston would receive more than $200 million in direct appropriations from the Texas Legislature. The funding will address critical needs such as public safety, parks and flood mitigation.
City officials tell KPRC one of the most meaningful appropriations is the $10 million allocated for the Sergio Ivan Rodriguez Memorial Pedestrian Bridge, a project dedicated to his life.
The bridge is intended to provide a safer route for students and pedestrians to take over the now deadly railroad crossings in the East End.
So what progress has been made since Sergio’s death?
Mayor Whitmire’s office said the bridge project is a collaborative effort between the city, TxDOT and Union Pacific. Adding, “a lot of progress has been made.” Noting that all partners are working together to move the project forward.
Leonardo Flores with the Texas Department of Transportation said TxDOT is leading the design and construction of the bridge, while the City of Houston will be responsible for maintenance once completed.
He said the bridge design is being finalized and waiting for approval. TxDOT expects to break ground in summer 2026. Flores also credited Sen. Carol Alvarado for her work in the Legislature to secure the funding.
TxDOT released the following statement:
“Shortly after the tragic death of Sergio Rodriguez the Texas Legislature secured the funding for the construction of a new pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks adjacent to Milby High School.
“This is an investment that represents a significant step toward improving safety and mobility for students, families, and residents in the surrounding community.
“TxDOT will oversee construction of the project. The project is currently nearing completion of its design phase, with construction anticipated to begin in the summer of 2026. Upon completion, the bridge will be owned and maintained by the City of Houston.
“In recognition of a life lost too soon, the pedestrian bridge will be named in honor of Sergio I. Rodriguez. This dedication serves both as a memorial and as a commitment to enhancing safety for future Milby students and the local community.”
Union Pacific stated the temporary curfew, which was set after the accident, was removed in August to reduce blocked crossings and congested areas in other parts of the city caused by the curfew.
Union Pacific released the following statement:
“The passage of time has not diminished the heartbreak over the tragic decision Sergio Rodriguez made that day, nor has it changed our commitment to increasing safety awareness in Houston. Over the past year, Union Pacific has worked with schools, law enforcement and community organizations to strengthen rail safety — including new fencing and sidewalk improvements near Milby High School — and launched TrackSafe Houston, a comprehensive bilingual rail-safety campaign for those who live and work near railroad tracks.
“Union Pacific encourages parents, schools, churches and other community groups to talk to children about how to keep themselves safe near railroad tracks. Anyone can request a rail safety presentation at no charge through Operation Lifesaver, which also has educational resources at https://oli.org/."