HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Eyewitness News has learned that Union Pacific train operations have returned to normal near HISD's Milby High School.\n\nTrain operations had been changed during pickup and drop-off after 15-year-old Milby student, Sergio Rodriguez, was hit and killed by a slow moving train in December 2024, while trying to get to school.\n\nOn Tuesday, Union Pacific said the change came after hosting several education events at back-to-school programs, churches, and community centers. UP said they upgraded sidewalks and installed fencing to channel people towards a pedestrian crosswalk on Broadway Street. After implementing these measures, UP said they are reversing the temporary train scheduling changes to reduce blocked crossings and congestions in other areas caused by the adjustments.\n\nHISD sent a statement saying in part \"HISD, HISD PD, and Union Pacific remain in contact, and all questions about Union Pacific protocol should be directed to Union Pacific.\"\n\nABC13 also reached out to the mayor's office. Houston Mayor Whitmire had previously been vocal about the death and the need for safety improvements, but today his office directed our request for a statement to Union Pacific and HISD.\n\nEyewitness News reached out to the legal team representing Sergio Rodriguez, but we are waiting to hear back.\n\n$10M in state funding has been required to build a pedestrian bridge over the train tracks near the school, but no timeline for the project has been set at this time.

Union Pacific resumes normal train operations near Milby High following student's death in 2024

Union Pacific has resumed normal train operations near Milby High School in Houston, Texas, after implementing safety improvements following the death of 15-year-old student Sergio Rodriguez in December 2024. The company had previously adjusted train schedules during school pickup and drop-off periods to prevent pedestrian crossings. These changes were followed by upgrades including improved sidewalks, fencing, and the installation of a pedestrian crosswalk on Broadway Street. A $10 million state-funded pedestrian bridge over the tracks is planned, though no timeline has been set. Union Pacific, Houston Independent School District (HISD), and Houston Mayor Whitmire have all expressed ongoing cooperation and communication regarding safety protocols.