Letter to the Editor about railroad safety from Chelsea Police Chief Ed Toth

Dear Chelsea Residents, Visitors, and Friends:

Approximately a year ago, an article was posted in the Chelsea Update regarding Railroad Safety.

The article was written after railroad authorities had contacted me regarding several near misses with pedestrians that had taken place during the early summer months (2013).

The train engineers stated that people were on or near the tracks when a train was approaching and just exited the tracks in time not to be struck.

The railroad is in the process of upgrading all of the signal timing to accommodate the upcoming 110 mph high speed rail from Kalamazoo to Dearborn. Once this is complete, Amtrak passenger trains will have a 110 speed limit. Currently, from Kalamazoo to the west, the tracks and signal timing upgrades have been complete and trains are traveling at 110 mph.

Recently in Galesburg, MI, a teenager was walking his bike across the railroad tracks and was struck and killed by a passenger train.

I do not want that to happen in Chelsea. I was recently advised that the depot area of the Chelsea Railroad tracks is a popular location to have high school senior pictures taken. This activity is prohibited in the MCL 462.273 (Michigan Compiled Laws).

Over the last year, the Chelsea Police Department, the Downtown Development Authority and Chelsea Area Festivals and Events have attempted to educate the public regarding railroad safety. Collectively, these efforts were executed through signage at the tracks and a news release.

MCL 462.273 states walking, riding, driving, presence on right-of-way or railroad yard restricted; presence, entry, or damage, buildings, rolling stock or equipment. Note: look up entire statute on Michigan Legislature. The violation is a 30-day misdemeanor with a $100 fine.

Railroad Police and local law enforcement will be enforcing this statute to ensure public safety.

For further information regarding railroad code violations and other railroad statutes, contact the Michigan Railroads Association here, call (517)-462-9413 or call the Chelsea Police Department at 475-9122.

Respectfully,
Edward A. Toth Jr.
Chief of Police