The New Orleans Public Belt (NOPB) hosted its first Community Open House May 24 in the NOPB engine (locomotive) terminal. It was attended by over 100 neighbors and industry guests.

NOPB team members staffed several tables to share information about the New Orleans rail network, its impact on the regional economy, its in-house safety training program, grade crossing safety and the 110-plus years of NOPB history. Team members also answered questions about the policies and projects the Public Belt is launching in an effort to be better urban neighbors.

“It was a great opportunity to put faces to names and to get to know each other better,” said Doug Campbell, NOPB General Manager. “We are dedicated to working with the community and growing together. There is room for us all.”

In addition to the table displays, a locomotive was parked in the terminal and available for viewing. The mechanical team was on-hand to answer questions from rail enthusiasts about its engine and design. Other pieces of heavy equipment, including a high rail truck used to do rail inspections, were also on display.

The Port of New Orleans, NOLA Ready (Department of Homeland Security), the Surface Transportation Board and the Regional Planning Commission also had tables at the event.

“I think it is great that the Public Belt and the Port are reaching out to us,” said neighbor Topper Thompson, who lives at Lambeth House retirement community. “It makes us confident that our questions and concerns are being heard and that NOPB is taking action.”

Pictures from the event will be posted on the Public Belt’s social media page, along with the results of the vote to name the railroad’s new children’s rail safety program mascot.

To view pictures from the event, click here.

Published: June 6, 2018