Some changes are being made at the Park Avenue railroad crossing in Brockport. The changes stem from a resident’s complaint that Mayor Blackman submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration, which oversees railroad safety on the nation’s railroads. This is particularly important because of the increased traffic on Park Avenue because of 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. Measures being taken include:
•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 railroad signal lights were 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 speed limit for the train was 10 mph. The Falls RR Company, which owns and operates the trains, has agreed to a temporary 5 mph speed limit.
•On December 11, NYSDOT added five seconds to the green light at the five corners so traffic does not back up as far as the railroad tracks on Park Avenue.
Anyone who notices a traffic backup on Park Avenue to the tracks and beyond, is asked to notify village hall and include the time of the backup. If necessary, the stoplight can be further adjusted.
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