The Belt Railway Company of Chicago is never satisfied when it comes to safety. After all, keeping employees and the public safe is the company’s No. 1 goal.

When employees are not teaching children about safety on school grounds, they are keeping them safe in the neighborhoods near the yard. Case in point: a five-week grade crossing project alongside the yard at 67th Street wrapped up Nov. 4.

The BRC, with help from the Illinois Commerce Commission, put in place new gates along the tracks to ensure safe crossing for pedestrians. This was especially important for children who attend the nearby Mariano Azuela Elementary School.

About 30 employees from the Belt’s Engineering Department worked on the job, which was completed safely and on time.

“Having up-to-date crossing gates along with pedestrian crossing gates ensures the safety of the children,” said Mike Romano, director of police and risk management. “Everyone in the neighborhood seems very grateful.”

Each weekday morning and afternoon during the project, for a full hour, Romano along with policemen and flagmen were outside to guide children across the tracks. He appreciates everyone’s efforts.

“We had cooperation at every turn,” he said. “Engineering Department employees and police did everything I asked of them to ensure the safety of everyday crossing.”