Train blocks crossings for an hour

An eastbound BNSF reverses westward across the Second Street crossing Wednesday. The train stopped traffic for nearly an hour. — © 2008 Gallup Independent / Cable Hoover

Copyright © 2008
Gallup Independent
By Independent staff

GALLUP — For many motorists and pedestrians in Gallup Wednesday, getting from one side of town to the other became more difficult.

Between about 11:45 a.m. and 12:50 p.m., a Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad freight train blocked crossings extending from Second Street in the heart of downtown to Allison Road in West Gallup, frustrating scores of lunchtime drivers. The effect of the hourlong stall on emergency services is so far unknown. Two witnesses report waiting at least an hour to cross the train tracks Wednesday.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad spokesman Joe Faust failed to return repeated phone calls requesting an explanation.