New railroad fence shuts off dangerous Webber Park shortcut

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - For people who live around 44th Avenue N. and Bryant Avenue N., trains are seemingly always cutting through the neighborhood.  The huge trains, carrying all sorts of cargo, seem to be a magnet for children.

“Trains are an attractive nuisance, no question about it,” Minneapolis City Council President Barb Johnson said.

It was on the tracks separating the neighborhoods to the north from popular Webber Park where 10-year old Quentin Moore lost his right leg and the toes on his left foot back in April. Quentin and some friends were on their way to the park when they reportedly tried to climb over a stopped train.

When it jolted to a start, Quentin fell underneath and was nearly killed.

Now, almost two months later, Canadian Pacific has taken a major step in keeping children and adults away from the tracks. What used to be wide open is now protected by 10-foot tall chain link fencing where Bryant Avenue meets those tracks. The rail line has also shored up additional fencing on the backside of the park and new trespassing signs have gone up. The dangerous shortcut to the park has seemingly been shut off.

“It is important to understand the safe way to get into park is to cross at the appropriate crossings,” Johnson said.

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