Railroad Safety

Brightline passing Clematis Street with yellow sign

We care about the safety of the public on and around the private railway systems that are a part of the City of West Palm Beach’s mobility network. In the U.S., a person or vehicle is hit by a train every three hours. While the rail systems in the City are safe, deadly crashes or incidents do occur. The City works with our partners, including rail service providers -- Brightline, Florida East Coast Railway (FEC), and Tri-Rail which is operated by the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA)-- to help improve safety conditions and communicate safe behavior at rail crossings and along the tracks.

Did You Know?

  • The City is served by four private and public operators Amtrak, Brightline, and Tri-Rail provide railway passenger service. The FEC delivers freight throughout the City and state.

  • The two railway corridors in West Palm Beach are the Brightline corridor and the FEC (Brightline) and SFRC (Tri-Rail) corridor. The corridors run parallel to one another, and each is approximately 8-miles long. The corridors are managed by the corporations—not the City—and are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration.

  • There are 47 railroad at grade crossings in West Palm Beach; 14 on the SFRC and 33 on the FEC.  The City has made safety upgrades to many crossings. Working with our partners, we are looking for ways to make them even safer.

  • The City of West Palm Beach has two active Quiet Zones, one on the SFRC/Tri-Rail from Forest Hill Blvd. to 36th Street and the other is on FEC/Brightline South from Gregory Road to 15th Street.

  • Quiet Zones are in effect. In a quiet zone, railroads have been directed to cease the routine sounding of their horns when approaching public highway-rail grade crossings. Train horns may still be used in emergency situations, when approaching or departing a station, or to comply with other Federal regulations or railroad operating rules.

What are Quiet Zones?

  • A quiet zone is a section of a rail line at least ½ mile at which train horns are not routinely sounded when trains are approaching the crossings.

  • Train horns may be sounded in an emergency situation or to comply with other railroad or FRA rules such as construction near or along the crossing

Track Safety Basics

  • Freight trains don't travel at fixed times, and schedules for passenger trains often change. Always expect a train at each highway-rail intersection at any time.

  • All train tracks are private property. Never walk on tracks; it's illegal to trespass and highly dangerous. It takes the average freight train traveling at 55 mph more than a mile—the length of 18 football fields—to stop. Trains cannot stop quickly enough to avoid a collision.

  • The average locomotive weighs about 400,000 pounds or 200 tons; it can weigh up to 6,000 tons. This makes the weight ratio of a car to a train proportional to that of a soda can to a car. We all know what happens to a soda can hit by a car.

  • Trains have the right of way 100% of the time over emergency vehicles, cars, the police and pedestrians.

  • A train can extend three feet or more beyond the steel rail, putting the safety zone for pedestrians well beyond the three-foot mark. If there are rails on the railroad ties, always assume the track is in use, even if there are weeds or the track looks unused.

  • Trains can move in either direction at any time. Sometimes its cars are pushed by locomotives instead of being pulled, which is especially true in commuter and light rail passenger service.

  • Today's trains are quieter than ever, producing no telltale "clackety-clack." Any approaching train is always closer, moving faster, than you think.

  • Remember to cross train tracks ONLY at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings and obey all warning signs and signals posted there.

  • Stay alert around railroad tracks. Refrain from texting, headphones or other distractions that would prevent you from hearing an approaching train; never mix rails and recreation.

  • Source: Safety tips reprinted from Operation Lifesaver.

Safety Tips for Motorists

  • Trains and cars don't mix.

  • The train you see is closer and faster-moving than you think. 

  • Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly.

  • Never drive around lowered gates — it's illegal and dangerous. 

  • Do not get trapped on the tracks; proceed through a highway-rail grade crossing only if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping. 

  • If your vehicle ever stalls on the tracks, get out and get away from the tracks, even if you do not see a train. Locate the Emergency Notification System sign and call the number provided, telling them about the stalled vehicle. 

  • At a multiple track crossing waiting for a train to pass, watch out for a second train on the other tracks, approaching from either direction.

  • When you need to cross train tracks, go to a designated crossing, look both ways, and cross the tracks quickly, without stopping. Remember it isn't safe to stop closer than 15 feet from a rail.

  • ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN! Freight trains do not follow set schedules.

  • Source: Operation Lifesaver

For Pedestrians, Bicyclists and Joggers

  • Always expect a train. Trains are quieter and faster than you think, can run on any track at any time, from either direction and do not run on schedules.

  • Walking on or beside railroad tracks is illegal.

  • The only safe place to cross tracks is at designated public crossings with a crossbuck, flashing red lights or a gate. Crossing anywhere else is illegal.

  • Crossing tracks on a bike, with a stroller, in a wheelchair, or on other narrow wheels requires caution and extra attention. Plan ahead when choosing a route. When possible, walk, don’t ride across the tracks. Cyclists, walk your bike across train tracks at a 90-degree angle. If in a wheelchair, consider getting assistance or taking an alternate route.

  • Never pass flashing lights or go around lowered gates. Always wait until lights have stopped flashing and gates are completely raised.

  • Wait to cross until you can see clearly in both directions. Multiple tracks may mean multiple trains.

  • Stay off railroad bridges and trestles. Stay out of railroad tunnels. There is ONLY ROOM for the train.

  • Do not attempt to hop aboard railroad equipment at any time. Trains, tracks and railroad yards are NOT playgrounds. Never climb on, under or through railroad cars. Never jump on or off a train while it’s moving.

  • Source: Operation Lifesaver

 

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