Metrolink To Enhance Safety Features Of Railroad Crossings In Southern California
MOORPARK (CBSLA.com) — Officials revealed plans on Monday to enhance the safety of several railroad crossings throughout Southern California.
The project, which includes major safety changes to several railroad crossings, comes in response to a deadly crash that involved a Metrolink commuter train and a vehicle.
In February, the train collided with an abandoned produce truck and then subsequently derailed near 5th Street and Rice Avenue in Oxnard, officials explained.
The train's engineer, 62-year-old Glen Steele, died as a result of injuries sustained in the collision and 27 passengers were injured.
While many railroad crossings appear to be perfectly safe, Metrolink officials report the crossings are in need of upgrades.
"We have more than 800 crossings that Metrolink traverses through the six county system," said Scott Johnson of Metrolink media relations. "Its imperative that each and every crossing receives this attention. Right now, half of them do."
Enhancements -- such as wider crossways, new vehicle exit gates, sidewalks, handrails and automatic pedestrian gates -- will be made at four railroad crossings in Simi Valley and Moorpark.
The improvements are aimed to prevent tragedies from happening.
The project has been backed by county, state and city funding.
Construction will begin on Tuesday, and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.