PHOENIX — A train partially derailed Friday afternoon in Phoenix at McDowell Road and 19th Avenue -- a railroad crossing that will soon undergo safety improvements after the city received grant funding from the federal government.
The city said no injuries have been reported from Friday's derailment, but the incident is causing some traffic issues and the area will be restricted for several hours.
This is not the first time a train has derailed at this crossing. Nearly five years ago, a boxcar derailed from the tracks at the McDowell-19th Avenue intersection.
By coincidence, the city was recently awarded $7 million to make safety upgrades to the McDowell-19th Avenue crossing and the 43rd Avenue-Camelback intersection.
Mayor Kate Gallego announced Thursday the city was awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to make "much-needed" improvements to these two railroad crossings.
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Driving Safety Tips:
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) offers driving tips to help keep people safe on the road.
"There’s always room for improvement when it comes to road safety," the department said on its website.
ADOT's suggestions include:
· Don’t speed or drive aggressively
· Never drive while under the influence of substances
· Avoid distractions while driving
· Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers are doing the same
· When an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, move over
· Stay extra aware in work zones
· Be prepared for weather conditions that make driving dangerous Find more tips on the department's Driving Safety Homepage on ADOT's website here.
"Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT," the department said.
