HOUSTON — Stopped trains have been an issue in Houston for years , and they have impacted thousands of drivers in the first half of 2025.

They're not only frustrating for drivers, but there's a potentially life-threatening safety issue when emergency responders get stuck at the crossings.

In the first six months of the year, the Houston Fire Department said they’ve been blocked by trains 643 times. Half of those calls resulted in delays.

KHOU 11 talked with folks in one of the most impacted areas, a two-mile radius on the city’s east side.

We then took their questions to those who can create solutions.

Our first stop took us to Mandola’s Deli.

“I've been with Mandola’s since I was able to walk,” Joseph Mandola said.

He said the deli has dealt with stalled trains at nearby trac

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