(The following story by Bill Jones appeared on The Greeneville Sun website on August 20.)
GREENVILLE, S.C. — Freight trains passing through Greeneville will begin moving five-miles-per-hour faster than in the past about Monday, Sept. 8, according to a Norfolk Southern railway spokesman.
Earlier, railway officials had said the increased speeds would take effect Aug. 4, but Robin Chapman, a Norfolk Southern spokesman said on Tuesday that the increased speeds won’t actually begin until next month.
Operation Lifesaver, a national nonprofit rail safety education organization, said in a press release Tuesday that motorists and pedestrians should be aware of the 5-mph train speed increase.
Together with Norfolk Southern, Operation Lifesaver volunteers will conduct a safety blitz at the Austin Street crossing in Greeneville on Thursday, Aug. 21, according to Jill Moody, a spokesman for the organization.
“These volunteers will pass out safety brochures reminding motorists and pedestrians about the dangers at railroad crossings and railroad rights of ways,” the organization said.
Norfolk Southern said earlier that the Greeneville grade crossings where train speed limits will increase are:
* Snapps Ferry Road, Poor Farm Road, Parkins Road, Burns Street, Hankins Street, Austin Street, Willis Street, and West Church Street, where speeds are increasing from 35 mph to 40 mph; and
* West Irish Street, Wiley Street, and King Street, where train speeds are increasing from 35 mph to 45 mph.
Norfolk Southern also said earlier that the change is expected to improve public traffic flow and grade crossing safety by increasing train traffic fluidity through the area.
The railroad said statistics show that more highway-rail grade crossing collisions occur at slower train speeds, while slower train speeds can cause traffic delays as trains occupy crossings longer.
Norfolk Southern averages nine freight trains daily through Greene County.
Deaths Down
Earlier this year, Operation Lifesaver reported a drop in incidents involving pedestrians struck by trains and vehicle-train collisions at crossings, according to the news release.
“Last year in Tennessee, seven pedestrians were killed along the tracks, six less than in 2006,” the news release said. “Train-vehicle fatalities also dropped from eight in 2006 to six in 2007.”