ALBANY – A measure that
will require a comprehensive review of the state’s rail crossings
has been signed into law by the governor.
The bill, sponsored by Senator David Carlucci (D-New City), will prioritize
creating safe processes at all highway-rail crossings in the state as
well as review the adequacy of traffic and pedestrian warning signals.
Carlucci said the law is important not just because of the commuter rail
traffic, but also rail freight, especially in the Hudson Valley.
“One way we can safeguard against a potential or a leak or a spill
of Bakken crude oil or another hazardous material is to secure and safeguard
our rail crossings,” he said. “It doesn’t have to mean
a lot of money. In many cases it can be some extra paint on the road,
some additional signage.”
The new law will study the safety of at-grade crossings with the feasibility
of implementing design changes; the adequacy of traffic and pedestrian
warning signals; federal funding available for safety improvements; feasibility
of equipping commuter trains with technology to improve safety; and which
at-grade rail crossings are considered to be the most dangerous in the
state.
