Trimess
Thursday, February 9, 2012
LIGHT RAIL THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY
Once again rail safety compromised by Maintenace of way manager XXXX XXXXXX. XXXXX orders volume on crossing gongs turned down to appease an angry neighbor. This is on a crossing at Baseline Rd in Beaverton where there has already been 2 fatalies involving pedestrians. When advised by the signal Asst Supervisor that this would be a bad idea he was ordered to do it anyway. The asst supervisor then told xxxxx he had reported the demand to ODOT xxxxx demanded all the Asst. Supervisors correspondence be surrendered to him. Mr xxxxx failure of understanding the importance of not tweaking the design of rail safety appliances is an endangerment to both the public and Trimet employees
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3 comments:
This is part of the problem with light rail - there's really no rules regarding safety devices. It's all regulated by ODOT rather than the federal government (which is why many signals are inconsistent between MAX, or Central Link, or UTA, or San Francisco).
Frankly, there doesn't even need to be a railroad-style crossing signal. TriMet could stick ordinary vehicular traffic signals there. It'd be perfectly legal. They could put a wig-wag signal there. They could just have signs.
TriMet needs to be careful...now that it's all documented and evidenced - if there's another incident here, you can bet the lawyers will be swarming over it. And TriMet will be hauling its ass and its crack team of attorneys to minimize the payoff.
ODOT is the FRA agent in Oregon to inspect and insure compliance to FRA 234 rules pertaining to Gated Crossings. They have jurisdiction over all Public railroad crossings in the State of Oregon. All gated crossings at TM are inspected by ODOT Rail staff for FRA 234 rules compliance. There are certain minimum design standards that ODOT regulates and has authority over and some not,but is it wise and best for the good of the community to make changes based on one complaint to an audible signal that warns pedestrians of oncoming trains? This appliance has been in service for several years prior to last fatal accident at Baseline. Making any changes that REDUCES the level of warning and safety SHOULD have the recommendation of ODOT. If TM chooses not to heed the recommendation of ODOT or common sense, BEWARE.
The Big O reports $3 million lawsuit today over one of the 2 fatalities at this exact crossing.
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