Union Pacific, county and state police team up for railroad crossing enforcement

EDITOR'S NOTE: See a video of the Chester enforcement on the Herald Tribune's Facebook at www.facebook.com/randolphcountyheraldtribune.com.

<span>CHESTER - Officials with the Illinois State Police, Randolph County Sheriff's Office and Union Pacific Railroad teamed up on Tuesday to monitor motorists' behavior at a railroad crossing in Chester.</span>

<span>The targeted crossing was on Water Street near the Ardent Mills facility. The crossing has no gates and is considered dangerous as it situated on a curve with a potential blind corner on the southeast side of the intersection.</span>

<span>"(Union Pacific) has identified certain areas within District 13 that are more prone to these types of incidents," said Illinois State Police Trooper Christopher "Joey" Watson. "There's a reason why we're there because the UP officials have noticed a high number of incidents in these areas.</span>

<span>"We're trying to target our enforcement efforts to prevent some of these incidents."</span>

<span>Watson said Tuesday's enforcement produced four citations and two warnings.</span>

<span>"Any time we can draw public attention to an issue that improves their safety, I'm happy with that," he said. "I would prefer to not write any citations. I would prefer to go through the detail completely as a courtesy campaign, but the fact is not all people make wise decisions when dealing with roadway hazards."</span>

<span>According to state law, motorists are required to stop within 50 feet, but no less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad when the signals are activated.</span>

<span>Fines for the first violation are up to $250, with up to $500 for each subsequent violation. Twenty-five hours of community service may be imposed in place of the fine for first offense, while the state may suspend a person's driver's license for six months for the second offense.</span>

<span>A news release prior to Tuesday's event said the crossing enforcement events are an effort to educate the public about grade crossing and pedestrian safety through the Union Pacific's Crossing Accident Reduction Education and Safety (UP CARES) program.</span>

<span>"Union Pacific is committed to public safety through various outreach channels such as community events, media, Union Pacific Railroad police, employee resource groups and Operation Lifesaver," the release stated. "The UP CARES public safety initiative brings together communities in a collaborative and caring effort to promote railroad grade crossing and pedestrian safety."</span>

<span>A similar event was conducted in Marion on Wednesday at a crossing paralleling Route 37 between Route 13 and Boyton Street.</span>

<span>In a news release, Watson said that enforcement resulted in two pedestrian crossing citations, one pedestrian crossing warning, one pedestrian trespassing warning, three vehicle crossing citations, one vehicle crossing warning, one insurance citation and one seatbelt warning.</span>

<span>"With the trespassing, it's a Class B misdemeanor and the pedestrian penalties would be the same as a vehicle," Watson said.</span>