Safety blitz aimed at cutting rail crossing incidents

Reducing train/vehicle incidents at railroad crossings is the focus of a “safety blitz” being conducted by North Carolina Operation Lifesaver in partnership with state and local transportation agencies, area railroad operators and law enforcement officials.

These events will take place at eight Charlotte area railroad crossings over the four-day period of April 27 to 30 (see below) and will focus on increasing awareness of highway-rail grade crossing safety.

Team members from North Carolina Operation Lifesaver, a national non-profit that promotes railroad safety awareness and education, along with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, North Carolina Railroad Company, North Carolina Trucking Association Road Team, Norfolk Southern Railway, Amtrak and CSX Transportation will gather at each of the eight area railroad crossings to conduct the safety program.

During each blitz, local law enforcement officials will monitor vehicle traffic at the crossing location and provide team members the opportunity to distribute safety information directly to motorists. By doing so, Operation Lifesaver hopes to reach motorists who regularly access these crossings and educate them on the importance of obeying crossing safety devices and using caution around railroad tracks.

“We conduct these crossing safety blitzes throughout the state on a regular basis,” said Vivian Speight-Bridges, executive director of North Carolina Operation Lifesaver. “We are pleased to continue this effort in the Charlotte area. Train/vehicles incidents, including fatalities, are continuing to rise across the state. It is extremely important that we continue to reach motorists and provide them with information about how we can work together to reduce the number of train/vehicle incidents in North Carolina.”

The crossing safety blitz will be held at the following locations:

Monday, April 27

9:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Park Avenue railroad crossing intersection in Charlotte

1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Carson Boulevard railroad crossing intersection in Charlotte 

Tuesday, April 28

9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Main Street railroad crossing intersection in Kannapolis

1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Newell Hickory Road railroad crossing intersection in Charlotte

Wednesday, April 29

9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Donald Ross Road railroad crossing intersection in Charlotte 

1 p.m. to 3 p.m.:  Main Street railroad crossing intersection in Lowell

1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: .Main Street railroad crossing intersection in Mount Holly

Thursday, April 30

9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: 7th Avenue railroad crossing intersection in Lexington 

9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Salem Street railroad crossing intersection in Thomasville

1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.:  Salem Street railroad crossing intersection in Thomasville