Raleigh Pedestrian Killed by Train at Powell Drive

A 22-year-old victim died following a collision involving two passing trains on September 11, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Accidents

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing parallel geometric railroad tracks, evoking the gravity of public infrastructure safety policy. — Mackenzie Gilliam died after being struck by a train in Raleigh on September 11, drawing renewed attention to local railroad safety infrastructure. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Mackenzie Gilliam was struck and killed by a train at the Powell Drive railroad crossing in Raleigh on September 11, 2026. The collision occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. as two trains were passing each other at the location.

Why it matters

The tragedy highlights ongoing safety concerns at the crossing, where a proposed $44 million bridge project has stalled due to insufficient scoring in the state prioritization process. While the federal government is directing $300 million toward the Piedmont Corridor Safety Program, the Powell Drive site currently lacks funding.

A 2016 Raleigh-Cary Rail Crossing Study identified the need for a bridge at Powell Drive, yet the $44 million project remains unfunded. Currently, safety improvements are focused on other areas like the Blue Ridge Road underpass.

The players

Mackenzie Gilliam

The 22-year-old victim of the fatal train collision at the Powell Drive railroad crossing.

The details

Railroad overpasses are designed to eliminate direct collision points between pedestrians and trains. In contrast to the stalled Powell Drive project, the nearby Blue Ridge Road initiative utilizes an underpass to allow safe travel beneath tracks near the North Carolina State Fairgrounds.

2016: A study first recommended constructing a bridge at the Powell Drive crossing.
September 11, 2026: Mackenzie Gilliam was struck and killed by a train at 8:45 p.m.
2027 State Fair: The Blue Ridge Road underpass project is scheduled for completion.

Legal Context

The Powell Drive project failed to receive funding because it did not score high enough in the prioritization process mandated by the Strategic Transportation Investment process. This framework governs how infrastructure developments across North Carolina are evaluated and selected for state support.

Residents who frequent the Powell Drive area should be aware that the crossing currently lacks an overpass or underpass to separate pedestrian traffic from rail lines. Safety remains a focus for local commuters until the state or federal government designates new funding for infrastructure improvements.

The takeaway

Railroad overpasses remain the most effective method for preventing train-pedestrian collisions by physically separating the two. Commuters are encouraged to utilize established, secure crossings while local projects remain under review for future safety upgrades.