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Consolidate tracks now

Combine two recent Bee articles, "Detour puts the squeeze on Shaw," and "Program gives Fresno City College a lesson in rail safety" (BNSF's Operation Lifesaver), with Patricia Darcy's Feb. 20 letter, "Dangerous driving" and we see that Fresno transportation needs help.

Spending $17 million on the Shaw-Marks underpasses (over six weeks behind schedule) accommodates two rail crossings. Nearly a half-billion-dollars on Fresno freeways (already with problems at on- and off-ramps) and installing cameras at certain intersections to catch red light runners are short-term solutions. Fresno continues to grow, attracting people and businesses to its environs. New Fresnans from various parts of the country, the world and different cultures all need to move about the city and county with a sense of safety, convenience and ease.

Fresno rail consolidation is a sensible, long-term solution serving the safety and travel needs of both city dwellers and county residents coming to the city to work, go to school, shop and play. Consolidation is environmentally necessary, eliminates a serious hazard and provides economic benefits. If the tracks didn't travel through the city, especially through Fresno City College, the need of rail safety lessons would be minimal. Recent rail accidents indicate trains routinely exceed the city rail speed limit that demands more enforcement. Enforcement of vehicle traffic laws at all intersections is a must to provide safe pedestrian and bicycle crossing.

"All-America City" Fresno needs an All-America transportation system.

Roy Kludas

Fresno