Senator Carlucci Calls for “Safer Crossings”

In wake of the Metro-North Train #659 collision, Senator Carlucci has introduced S3858, legislation that will direct the department of transportation the authority to collaborate with other organizations to find out which grade crossing lanes are not safe, and how much it would cost to fix them.

The bill, S3858 will Although the numbers of accidents and fatalities at level grade rail crossings have fallen steadily on a national level, they have increased in New York State.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those affected by this terrible tragedy,” said Senator Carlucci. “Looking forward, we need to seriously examine why the number of grade crossing accidents have increased in New York, and what we can do to fix them as soon as possible.”

Senator Carlucci’s legislation will give New York State the ability to hold hearings, and provide a proper and professional evaluation on where the faulty rail lines are and how much it would cost to fix them. 

Specifically, they study will examine:

• The safety of level grade crossings and the feasibility of implementing design changes to increase safety and to reduce the likelihood of obstruction at crossings;
• Adequacy of traffic and pedestrian warning signals;
• Federal funding available for safety improvement projects; and the feasibility of equipping passenger and commuter trains with technology to increase safety;
• Which level grade rail crossings are considered to be the most dangerous throughout the state as defined criteria promulgated in the study.