Officials Call for Railroad Crossing Safety Improvements

This week, the House of Representatives is expected to consider the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act (PRRIA), which includes legislation from Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) and Congresswoman Nita Lowey (NY-17).

Their piece is the Rail Crossings Safety Improvement Act, which invests in state and local governments’ efforts to build bridges, tunnels or otherwise relocate roads in order to improve the safety of grade crossings for passengers, motorists and pedestrians.

“The Valhalla Metro-North collision never should have occurred, but incidents at grade crossings are all too common,” said Lowey at a press conference yesterday at the Roaring Brook Road crossing in Chappaqua.

Ninety-five percent of deaths involving trains happen at highway-rail crossings. While deaths and accidents have declined steadily nationwide, accidents continue to happen in New York, the home of 5,304 grade crossings. From 2012-14, there were 81 accidents, 15 deaths and 23 injuries at grade crossings, according to the Federal Railroad Administration.

“By working across the aisle, we’re making significant investments that will save lives with positive train control technology and safer rail crossings,” said Maloney.

Lowey’s amendment to PRRIA would set aside $10 million to build upon existing efforts like Operation Lifesaver for a national high-visibility enforcement and education campaign.

• SEE ALSO: Politicians, Safety Group Will Call Monday for Railroad Crossing Safety Improvements

PHOTO (Office of Congresswoman Nita Lowey) L-R: Mike Kaplowitz, Chair of Westchester County Board of Legislators; Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney; Adam Brodsky, New Castle Town Board Member; Congresswoman Nita Lowey; Robert Greenstein, New Castle Town Supervisor; Lisa Katz, New Castle Town Board Member; Karen Visser, President, Chappaqua Board of Education; Jill Shapiro, New Castle Town Administrator; Lyn McKay, Superintendent of Schools, Chappaqua Central School District.