More railroad barriers erected to curb car, train collisions

October 21, 2010|By John Paul (jpaul@wsbt.com)

WSBT-TV Photo

MISHAWAKA--- The barriers feature a raised curb and reflective, protective barriers. Gary is the latest city in the state to use them. Mishawaka is one of two cities in Indiana that uses the barriers to keep drivers safe in whistle-free areas.

For drivers on a stretch of Main Street in Mishawaka, a flashing red signal and a dropping gate are the only warning signs that a train, travelling at speeds up to 80 miles per hour, is on the track.

A hastily-made decision to cross the tracks often has deadly consequences.

Two cross markers adjacent to the tracks serve as proof of that.

City officials in Mishawaka have taken steps to improve safety at railroad crossings so drivers don't have to hear a train blow its horn.

The city's had a whistle ban for four-decades.

"It's a quality of life issue to have train whistles blowing all hours of the night," said Gary West, City Engineer.

It's hard to believe, a series of $15,000 reflective barriers with raised curbs are one of the reasons the city is allowed to continue enforcing its whistle ban. That's because the Federal Railroad Administration gives Mishawaka safety credits for each barrier it has.

West said the barriers divide the roadway.

"When the railroad gates are down, it discourages people from driving around in advance of the train," West said.

The city installed the barriers on Main Street back in August, West said, and another one near the railroad crossing on Jefferson Boulevard. One more is planned at the intersection of Russell and Lincolnway.

Other railroad safety-improvements in the city include:

-Permanently closing one crossing on Wells Street.

-Creating an underpass on Main Street.

The barriers, though have baffled some drivers.

"It was there one day and I thought, Oh, don't know why they did that," said Amy Golischowski.

West said the barriers remind drivers to use common sense, but each one serves as a deterrent for danger.

"That instant that they are in a hurry - to duck around the crossing, it discourages them from that," said West.

|

|

|