(The Associated Press circulated the following on June 24, 2009.)
TEXARKANA, Ark. — Union Pacific is planning to stop using workers in its rail yard tower in Texarkana and replace them with video cameras.
Local leaders say the move could be dangerous.
The Omaha, Neb.-based railroad says it has to trim its budget and that it can sustain its level of safety at the Texarkana rail yard, while using less expensive video monitors. The cameras will be monitored at a UP office in Longview, Texas, where the railroad recently shifted some of its Texarkana operation.
Arkansas-side Fire Marshal Stephen Johnson says the railroad should keep trained workers in the tower because hazardous materials move through the yard at all hours.
The change is to go into effect on Monday.