This Violation Presents LTHS Safety Concern: Principal

LA GRANGE, IL — In the last week, Lyons Township High School's administration received a number of reports that students are crossing the railroad tracks next to North Campus when the gates are down, the principal said Monday.

This problem presents a major safety concern, Principal Jen Tyrrell said in an email blast. She said the school was teaming up with the La Grange, BNSF and Metra police departments to increase presence, education and, if necessary, enforcement in the area.

"One of our shared concerns is that we believe students looking at phones, wearing headphones, or hoodies, could lead to them being unaware of a second train following on the tracks, which could lead to tragedy," Tyrrell said in the email.

According to Metra's Operation Lifesaver, Illinois saw 29 pedestrian trespass deaths and 20 injuries in railroad incidents in 2019.

It's against the law to cross tracks when an audible bell or clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device is warning of an approaching train. It's also illegal to cross a railroad crossing gate that is down.