Mayor's Message: Reflections of a Somber Anniversary
Reflections of a Somber Anniversary
Friday morning, January 2, 2020, I received a call from Chief Geist advising me of an accident at the Cedar Avenue rail crossing involving fatalities. A westbound passenger train had slammed into a vehicle. My immediate thoughts were again, such a tragic loss of life for the two occupants. In addition this event will also forever affect their families and friends.
My next thought was the abject frustration concerning this ceaseless perpetual problem with accidents at a busy rail grade crossing. This time I felt compelled to take swift action for better safety measures in order to minimize these events.
After many meetings and phone calls, an on-site meeting at the crossing finally came to fruition. On Thursday , February 27, 2020 participants included Federal agencies ( Federal Railway Administration, etc.),State agencies such as N.J. Department of Transportation, Conrail, N.J. Transit, related engineering and public relation groups, DPW, first responders and public officials. The response was unusually quick for such an important meeting.
Finally on August 20, 2020, the Commissioner of the N.J. Department of Transportation, Ms. Barbara Foran issued an order implementing a series of safety measures some of which have been performed in the short haul, others to be initiated in the intermediate and long term.
Short term improvements include repainting the four areas on each side of the four tracks with white pavement markings to enhance a higher degree of caution to all approaches to the tracks, installing warning signs some of which are now obscured by buildings especially on both approaches of Lincoln Blvd. These and other similar signage will inform the public of the multiple rail crossings (four). A very important sign between the trackways will show the width distance of 75 feet (the actual distance between the two N.J.Transit set of tracks and the Conrail set of tracks). This will give the tractor trailer drivers an accurate understanding with added security of their safe passage over the tracks. Also, new paving of the crossing surfaces have been ordered. Wide white and yellow reflective sign stripes will be installed on all warning signs and devises.
Some longer range projects include pre signal systems, traffic and braking control systems, railroad advance warning signals, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act ) enhancements and other related improvements. Lastly, an investigation will be underway regarding permanent grade separation and perhaps a new bridge or trestle.
I am hoping that most of these improvements will be accomplished sooner than later. As we are very much aware, the progress will largely depend on federal and state funding.
For further information these documents are available for your perusal. I am very committed to make this a priority for 2021 so as to never receive that call from our Chief of Police again. Thank you and please stay safe.
Mayor John L. Madden