Rockland County plan to improve railroad crossings' safety

WEST NYACK, N.Y. (WABC) -- There's a plan to make railroad crossings safer in our area.

Rockland County is moving closer to installing new technology to make the crossings safer for drivers.

It's a move some say can prevent accidents like last week's deadly Metro-North crash.

In West Nyack, there's an ear splitting whistle warning that a freight train's a' coming, but there are no lights, no bells, no gate, no kidding.

"You have to look both ways, you have to be very careful," said Kevin Lyons, a motorist.

Last week's deadly Metro-North accident highlighted the potential danger of driving across railroad tracks, even with safety measures in place.

In Rockland County, there's a push to limit the risk where freight trains cross.

It was just over a year ago that a driver was seriously injured when a CSX train hauling empty oil tanks smashed into his truck.

"The good part of the focus on a tragedy is that it provides teaching moments. People will realize trains are not to be toyed with," said Ed Day, (R) Rockland County Executive.

The federal government has earmarked $3.5 million to upgrade over two dozen crossings in Rockland.

The county would put up another $3.5 million. The main design is a four quadrant system: double the number of gates found at most crossings, creating a more formidable barrier.

"There are two gates on either side which will essentially close off the crossing from any vehicle being able to get into the crossing during the time the train is coming," said Susan Meyer, of the Rockland County Planning Department.

The crossings will also have sensors on them so that if a vehicle got caught on the tracks, the gate would come up giving the driver a chance to back out.

"We're excited about this project it's a long time in the making and it will definitely improve the safety," said Patrick Gerdin, of the Rockland County Planning Department.

There's also a quality of life benefit for those living near the crossings, improved safety barriers will mean trains would not have to sound their whistles.

The so-called "Rockland Quiet Zone" would be a first in New York State.

Construction could start by the end of this year.