New Pedestrian Crossing System Activated at Wheaton Metra Station

The following information comes from a Union Pacific press release

A new pedestrian grade crossing system was expected to be activated Monday at the Wheaton Metra station along the Union Pacific West Line.

The new system, called the Another Train Warning System (ATWS), is part of a multi-million dollar project designed to improve the flow of commuter and freight traffic on the heavily used line, as well as to allow trains to safely operate through a station when a commuter train is stopped there.

The system was activated at the Maywood, Melrose Park, Elmhurst, Villa Park, Glen Ellyn, College Avenue, Winfield and Geneva stations in 2011.

Metra and Union Pacific studied train station improvement initiatives across the country to incorporate best practices into the West Line safety infrastructure.

The Another Train Warning System uses audible and visual alerts to warn pedestrians at crossings near the stations that another train—in addition to the one that is stopped at the station—is approaching or present.

The system enhances other grade crossing protections, including new paths that safely guide pedestrians to a gated crossing, more pedestrian gates and more inter-track fencing to discourage pedestrians from crossing at unsafe and unauthorized locations.

Improved Train Flow

The completion of two areas of the third main line in 2013 provides capacity to keep trains moving.

Additionally, two universal crossovers that were installed in 2011 closed a 15-mile gap between crossovers on the line, increasing the use of multiple tracks to bypass rail congestion.

This, combined with the 2011 upgraded rail signal system, allows trains to safely operate closer together and improves train flow.As a result of these upgrades, including the installation of ATWS, freight trains now can continue to operate while commuter trains are in stations.

The overall project is an example of Union Pacific support for its customers’ business through strategic investments.

Other information regarding the Metra Union Pacific West Line improvements can be found atwww.metraupwest.com.