Print
Comment
Rate
UP expected to fix crossing today
 |
| A Willcox police officer directs traffic in the rain recently after the railroad crossing equipment malfunctioned at the Maley Street railroad crossing. Officers have spent as long as two-and-a-half hours at a time at the crossing, at least 26 times since January. (CAROL BROEDER /Arizona Range News) |
City police directed crossing traffic 26 times this year
By Carol Broeder/Arizona Range News
A problem with the railroad crossings at Maley and Stewart Streets that has plagued the city since January may soon be resolved.
Nearly every time the Willcox area gets significant rain this year, the crossing arms drop as if a train is approaching -- whether it is or not - and stay down.
The danger arises when drivers become tired of waiting, go around the gate and cross the track anyway, thus risking a collision with an oncoming train.
The City of Willcox police have been standing guard -- watching through binoculars for oncoming trains and directing traffic over the crossings when it is safe to do so.
"This has happened 26 times since January," Chief of Police Jake Weaver told the Range News last week.
"Our officers have been there as long as two-and-a-half hours at a time."
Long-time residents may remember that prior to last year's equipment upgrades, a crossing arm would sometimes fall off during a windstorm and the police would have to stand guard.
But by comparison, that particular problem only occurred 12 times in 2007, according to Weaver's statistics.
Zoe Richmond, spokeswoman for the Union Pacific, said Friday that the malfunction is caused by a "shorted crossing panel, which should be replaced by Wednesday."
Commissioner Kristin Mayes with the Arizona Corporation Commission said last week that its Safety Division staff has been looking into it.
"Union Pacific has admitted there is a problem," said Mayes, indicating that there have been "contradictory opinions" among railroad officials as to what's causing it.
"Union Pacific needs to get it fixed ASAP," she told the Range News. "This is not acceptable. It is Union Pacific's responsibility to make sure the crossing is functioning. "
"What's been happening is unfair to the Willcox Police Department," said Mayes, adding, "If the problem persists, Union Pacific should certainly send their own (law enforcement) personnel to guard the crossings."
Asked Friday if Union Pacific intends to reimburse the city's police department for its man-hours, Richmond replied, "That's something that's been brought up, and those discussions are going on."
By Carol Broeder/Arizona Range News
A problem with the railroad crossings at Maley and Stewart Streets that has plagued the city since January may soon be resolved.
Nearly every time the Willcox area gets significant rain this year, the crossing arms drop as if a train is approaching -- whether it is or not - and stay down.
The danger arises when drivers become tired of waiting, go around the gate and cross the track anyway, thus risking a collision with an oncoming train.
The City of Willcox police have been standing guard -- watching through binoculars for oncoming trains and directing traffic over the crossings when it is safe to do so.
"This has happened 26 times since January," Chief of Police Jake Weaver told the Range News last week.
"Our officers have been there as long as two-and-a-half hours at a time."
Long-time residents may remember that prior to last year's equipment upgrades, a crossing arm would sometimes fall off during a windstorm and the police would have to stand guard.
But by comparison, that particular problem only occurred 12 times in 2007, according to Weaver's statistics.
Zoe Richmond, spokeswoman for the Union Pacific, said Friday that the malfunction is caused by a "shorted crossing panel, which should be replaced by Wednesday."
Commissioner Kristin Mayes with the Arizona Corporation Commission said last week that its Safety Division staff has been looking into it.
"Union Pacific has admitted there is a problem," said Mayes, indicating that there have been "contradictory opinions" among railroad officials as to what's causing it.
"Union Pacific needs to get it fixed ASAP," she told the Range News. "This is not acceptable. It is Union Pacific's responsibility to make sure the crossing is functioning. "
"What's been happening is unfair to the Willcox Police Department," said Mayes, adding, "If the problem persists, Union Pacific should certainly send their own (law enforcement) personnel to guard the crossings."
Asked Friday if Union Pacific intends to reimburse the city's police department for its man-hours, Richmond replied, "That's something that's been brought up, and those discussions are going on."
 |
||
| Election 2008: Arizona Primary results online |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of willcoxrangenews.com.
