Railroad Safety
Is in Decline

In reading the article in last week's Herald concerning the train accident near the Perley farm, some comments were made about the lack of maintenance being done on railroad property.

This seems to be the case all over the state, at least with Vt. Railway, with which I am more familiar. Safety does not seem to be as much of a concern as it once was, which is very unfortunate.

In the Rutland area, crossings are being neglected to the point where a one or two MPH crossing speed is warranted, signals often continue to flash long after trains have passed, with the result being that motorists will cross in those situations .

Railroads take the position: If it is not a problem for the railroad, then it is not a problem. But when there is a problem, then they like to make it someone else's problem too if they can.

I remember when I was a selectman in Royalton, the CV Railroad wanted the town to participate in upgrading a crossing off of South Windsor St. Our board at the time said it was a railroad problem and took that position until some years later, the railroad convinced a newer board to pay part of the cost, which to me set a precedent that may haunt the town for years.

If there are safety issues in any town that are not being resolved, I would urge the Selectboards of the towns involved to notify the State of Vermont Rail Division of the Transportation Agency because safety should not be neglected in any case.

James B. Hall

Center Rutland

Former Selectman,

Town of Royalton