(The following report by Melinda Johnston appeared on the Charlotte Observer website on July 5.)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If you think the trains are going faster through downtown Matthews later this month, you’ll be right. On July 15, the train speed will increase from 30 to 40 mph. On July 22, the speed will increase again to 49 mph.
CSX says the higher speed will increase the efficiency of train operations, reduce the waiting time for motorists, and shouldn’t increase the danger.
CSX representatives explained their plan to Matthews commissioners last week. Commissioners have no say on train speed, which is determined by guidelines established by the Federal Railroad Administration and is not controlled by municipalities.
CSX’s Nelson High says the public probably won’t notice a difference, as the railroad crossing signals will still give the same 22-second warning before the train reaches the crossing.
What folks may notice is a lot of activity along the tracks during the next few weeks as the company makes inspections and repairs to ensure rail safety at higher speeds.
Though he says the higher speed shouldn’t make a difference in safety, High says representatives from Operation Lifesaver, a CSX public education program dedicated to reducing crashes at highway-rail intersections, will give free safety presentations to interested residents. To find out more, visit www.oli.org or call CSX at 877-835-5279.
Railroad Crossings
Matthews has railroad crossings on Campus Ridge, Tank Town and Crestdale roads as well as Trade and Ames streets. They all have signals and gates.
CSX offers the following safety tips for railroad crossings:
• Never stop on the track or try to beat a train. A train takes up to a mile to stop after the emergency brake is applied.
• Never go around barriers or through flashing lights. Police can ticket you for failing to yield to warning devices at crossings, plus a train could be just a few seconds away.
• Always expect a train. They operate around the clock every day.• Always look for a second train coming from either direction. Sometimes a crossing has two or more tracks, and more than one train may be in the area.