Despite 9/11 Effect, Railyards Are Still Vulnerable

From today’s New York Times:

"NEWARK — Two signs just inside the entrance of the Oak Island rail depot here hint at dangers inside. “Our Employees’ Safety Is in Your Hands.” one reads. “You Are Accountable for Your Safety,” reads another.

"Beyond those two placards, however, there are few visible signs that security is a high priority at the railyard, just three miles from downtown Newark and seven miles from Manhattan, where 90-ton tanker cars full of deadly chemical gases are routinely stored and shipped.

"Gates to the depot are unlocked and unguarded, allowing unimpeded access to tracks where cars loaded with deadly chlorine, ammonia or oleum gases are stored.

"Along the track bed, many switching devices are unlocked, so unauthorized passers-by could redirect, and possibly derail, a train by simply pulling a lever. Security is so lax that a reporter and photographer recently spent 10 minutes driving along a rail bed beside cars holding toxic chemicals without being challenged, or even approached, by railroad employees. "

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/27/nyregion/27secure.html?

Dave
http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?userid=920

The Times article looks like free advertising for terrorists telling them where to hit, unfortunately it appears that the Times has nailed it. Our rail lines are vulnerable. Vigilance by railfans should be welcomed.

Would living in a police state be preferable? That’s just about what would be required to provide the security that the public seems to want.

Good point Paul, it seemed like the Times article was angling toward a large funding request. Rail lines are linear in build an not too securable across great distances. The US could spend a lot of $$$ and still not secure much line.