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Wisconsin city considers fine for stalled trains
The civil engineers need to move the roads so they do not cross the railroad tracks.
And look at the contrite, apologetic statement by the UP’s spokesman Mark Davis. That is as good an example of damage control/public relations as one is ever likely to see nowdays.
“That’s what government is for, getting in a man’s way.”-Malcolm Reynolds
A little problem with the idea - Federal and state law starts to play a role in the issue. Courts have already ruled in Wisconsin that cities can’t do this, and courts in other states have done the same. Many states have a maximum time limit, generally about 15 minutes, but situations such as trains going into emergency, signal issues, etc., allow longer blockage due to Federal requirements.
Many years ago, a part of Chicago tried the same thing when I worked for UP. Police ordered the train crew to move the train, even though they were inspecting the train due to an emergency brake application. When the crew refused and tried to explain the inspection, the police took them off the train and to the local jail. The police then called the railroad demanding action. The basic response was “you took them off the train, you put them back on.” The situation became worse after the train remained there throughout the evening rush hour. The result was no more police action against train crews.
Sanity needs to prevail in the town’s actions, the railroad’s policies and the comments being posted here.
I think it has to be taken into consideration by Chippewa Falls has to take into consideration what causes these delays and what alternative solutions can be achieved. Has the town and the UP discussed or explored bridges or underpasses, for instance. I assume the railroad was there before most of the crossings, etc. which could be the stance of UP. Towns have to learn to work with the railroads in instances like this or they can get in trouble if only by the railroad refusing to cooperate or at least reacting slowly. Is it single or double track? With or without a controlled siding nearby? In Owego, NY NS’s controlled siding runs the distance of the east half of the town with two busy grade crossings. Therefore trains being held, depending on length, usually clear the eastern most crossing between there and the eastern end of the siding despite westbound trains not being able to see the west end signal. We have to know more about the layout in Chippewa Falls to make further determinations and understanding of the situation.
How about a similar fine every time a city public works truck or vehicle blocks traffic for more than 5 minutes?
Government just doing what it’s best at - hindering the productive.
Make that “there”
Oh, God forbid we have to wait at a crossing for a few minutes. Let’s fine the railroad for getting in our way, even though they were their first.
The MAYOR must be up for reelection…back to the bar Bub and have another “Linnie”
I’m guessing this is only new frac sand traffic on a line that didn’t see much traffic prior to the boom. If so not sure why these trains can’t either hold north of Chip or proceed to Altoona and hold there…
This is so stupid it defies all logic and reason.
The city has decided to cheap out on how to cross the railroad. Rather than do the right thing, and put up bridges (which it has money for - railroads pay over the top property taxes) it’s decided to build unsafe and disruptive grade level crossings instead.
How about the city fine its politicians, past and present, instead for misusing public funds?
Holland, Michigan tried to give tickets to blocking CSX trains, a few years ago, but I heard that the federal government overruled.
Holland, Michigan tried to give tickets to blocking CSX trains, a few years ago, but I heard that the federal government overruled.
Holland, Michigan tried to give tickets to blocking CSX trains, a few years ago, but I heard that the federal government overruled.
There is almost the same kind of problem here at a place called Jack London Square in Oakland Ca.It is a tourist spot but trains go through there anyway. I think the track may have there first but it still a tourist spot. I sat one day drinking a cool drink when a train stopped for sometime there. Some of the people started climb between the cars to get to the other side of the train. I don’t think they really understand just how dangerous it can be to do that. A sudden movement can knock you off balance, off the train car and I don’t think the engineer would even know that anything had happen.
Jack London Square, my old seniority home (Stephen Foster tune accompanying, please…): 1960 to 2002.
Yes, Bear, Deer trails,
the Americans (called Indians) paths, The intrepids that earned land from Spain’s Royalty, illegit’ tho’ it was…
The Embarcadero, where the tracks are, is First Street (from the Estuary) and then there was the second Western Pacific.
The heart of the primary City of Oakland.
I admit I get frustrated when Norfolk Southern blocks Burnham Avenue when I’m heading in to work.Auto trains and slow moving container trains are the main culprits.