Family wins fight for gates at deadly crossing

By: Andy Cunningham Email

Updated: Fri 3:32 AM, Dec 21, 2012

KNOX COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - For years, they fought for change at a railroad crossing after a train hit their loved one's truck...killing him.

Now a Knox County family says their efforts have made a big difference that could many lives.

"It's been a long road, but it is finally starting to pay off," said Kara Ball. In 2006, Kara Ball's cousin, Jeffrey Campbell, 27, was killed when his truck collided with a train at a crossing in Knox County. Ball has found for the past six-years to get a crossing gate at the intersection, and this summer she learned that would become a reality.

"That was a miracle and the first real step to improve safety there," she said. In June legislators added $175,000 to the transportation budget to add gates at the crossing. Then on Monday, more good news. Knox County officials agreed to close the crossing where Campbell died and use the money instead to install gates at another crossing a mile down the tracks next to Campbell's parent's home.

"I was at a loss for words when they told us that," Ball said. "It's the best Christmas present you could ask for."

The gates will be installed on January 25th.

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