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During the past five years, Kansas City Southern has closed 50 public grade crossings within its 10-state network, eliminating more than 223,000 opportunities for a highway-rail collision, according to the railroad's estimates. This year, the Class I plans to close 15 crossings.

To date, KCS has closed five crossings in 2004 — two in Mississippi and Louisiana, and one in Kansas. Louisiana ranks in the top five states for crossing collisions and fatalities, according to Louisiana Operation Lifesaver.

KCS officials continue to identify closure candidates — which currently number about 100 crossings system-wide — and negotiate closure agreements with state and local authorities. Officials are targeting redundant and low-traffic crossings, as well as trying to limit the construction of new crossings.