Letter to Mr. Foote, CSX - Prioritize and Sustain Maintenance to Prevent Snow/Ice Buildup Causing Gates to Malfunction

Letter

Dear Mr. Foote:

In light of recent reports of railroad gate malfunctions at several crossings in the Rochester region, I request CSX take immediate action and devote adequate work crews and resources to prevent the ongoing malfunction of railroad safety gate warning systems by addressing ponding water, snow and ice buildup that can cause safety gates to activate even though there is no train approaching. These false warning gate activations have delayed motorists at several thoroughfares across Monroe County and crews took over an hour to fix in some instances, further tying up vehicular traffic. Despite media reports last week that highlighted the prevalence of these malfunctions, data from the Rochester Monroe County 911 Center obtained this week show these problems are persisting. Specifically, the 911 Center recorded a report on January 14th, two days following the media reports, that the Scottsville Road gates malfunctioned again for a total of four malfunctions since January 1st. More concerning, one of the gates that malfunctioned this month, at South Winton Road, was the same site where two motorists were struck and killed by a CSX train in the winter of 2004 after CSX had deactivated the automatic safety gates because of a work-crew backlog that had delayed routine snow removal and maintenance upkeep needed to keep the warning gates functioning properly.

With more severe winter weather expected this season, it is critical that you immediately deploy adequate resources to maintain these crossing and prevent the ice, snow, and debris build-up that can cause the safety gates to malfunction. In particular, I request you specifically investigate the signaling equipment at crossings that have repeated malfunction, including the Scottsville Road crossing and the South Winton Road Crossing. In addition, beyond the need for routine maintenance this winter season, the continued malfunction of the Scottsville Road and South Winton Road gate underscores that these gate malfunctions are not isolated events. Data from the Monroe County 9-1-1 Emergency Center reveals similar incidents in 2015 and 2016. As such, I request you evaluate opportunities to upgrade the existing safety gate system to make warning gate activation system less vulnerable to malfunctions due to cold weather conditions.

I appreciate your attention to this request that will help ensure the safety and efficiency of drivers and trains in the Rochester region. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact my staff.

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer

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