PARK AVENUE RAILROAD CROSSING UPDATE

Based on a resident’s complaint that the mayor submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration, which oversees railroad safety on the nation’s railroads, some changes are being made at the Park Avenue RR crossing.  This is particularly important because of the increased traffic on Park Avenue from the Main Street bridge closure.  Unfortunately, due to the presence of overhead utility lines, a crossing gate cannot be installed unless the overhead lines are removed.  Here’s what will be done:

•      An increase in signage by the tracks, particularly a “do not stop on tracks” sign (there is one at the Kenyon Street crossing, but not Park Avenue)

•      The RR signal lights are currently timed to flash 21 seconds before the train arrives at the edge of the roadway. (20 seconds is the federal minimum).  That is changing to 30 seconds to offer more warning to traffic.

•      The current speed limit for the train is 10mph. The Falls RR Company, which owns and operates the trains, has agreed to a temporary 5 mph speed limit.

•      NYSDOT has today (12/11) added 5 seconds to the green light at the 5 corners so traffic does not back up as far as the RR tracks on Park.

If you notice traffic backup on Park Ave to the tracks and beyond, please notify village hall and include the time you noticed the backup.  If necessary, the stoplight can be further adjusted.