Ramsey Train Crossing Reopens With Safety Upgrades

RAMSEY, NJ — The Ramsey Main Street train crossing has reopened with a number of safety upgrades after two weeks of work.

The state Department of Transportation approved the improvements after several accidents and deaths occurred at the tracks in recent years. The department recommended the changes after a determining that vehicles and pedestrians have "poor and obstructed" sight lines of the crossing and warning signals there because of buildings and vehicles parked on the street.

NJ Transit installed a new concrete crossing area under the tracks, extended sidewalks and installed a fence with warning signs for pedestrians.

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NJ Transit will commence the second phase of the project, which includes new blocking arms with LED lights along with vehicle and pedestrian gates that will be the length of the sidewalk.

The state wants all construction work completed by March 2019, NorthJersey.com reported.

Four people have been killed at the crossing since 2010, making it one of the most dangerous in the state. Thomas "Tommy" Ryan was killed in the most recent incident in June 2016. The 27-year-old resident was hit by a train near the gate. His death was ruled an accident.

Ryan's uncle James strongly advocated for the safety improvements to be installed, but he said more needs to be done. Trains need to slow down as they approach the station. They can approach at speeds up to 70 mph.

"While I am grateful and hopeful for the improvements, the trains will continue to travel at speeds in excess of 70 mph as NJ Transit has decided to not slow the trains down at this station where there is not a proper pedestrian crossing," James Ryan said.

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A photo of the train tracks at the railroad crossing near the Main Street station. — Courtesy of Jamie Ryan