Letter to Mr. Richard Sarles, Executive Director of New Jersey Transit

Letter

Letter to Mr. Richard Sarles, Executive Director of New Jersey Transit

SCHUMER CALLS ON NJ TRANSIT TO STEP UP ITS INSPECTION AND REPAIR OF SAFETY FENCE AND PROVIDE NECESSARY RESOURCES TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY AT CLARKSTOWN-SPRING VALLEY TRAIN TRACKS

After The Thirteenth Death On The NJ Transit Railroad Tracks Along Lawrence Street, There Are Still Holes Under Fence Along The Right Of Way, As Well as Missing Signs That Indicate The Danger Of Crossing

After Pressure from Schumer in 2002, NJ Transit Built Fence to Prevent Residents From Taking Deadly Shortcut, But Fence has Been Poorly Maintained and Holes Provide Access to the Tracks

In Personal Letter, Schumer Calls On New Jersey Transit To Repair Fencing Schedule Regular, More Thorough Inspections And to Ensure Public Safety At Local Crossing

After holes were found in the fence along the Clarkstown-Spring Valley train crossing, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today wrote a letter to New Jersey Transit urging them to inspect and repair the fence and replace missing warning signs to keep residents who live near Lawrence Street from cutting across the tracks to reach the restaurants and shops on Route 59 or catch a bus. Since 1985, thirteen people have died while taking the deadly shortcut. In 2002, Schumer successfully lobbied the NJ Transit to build fences along both sides of the track but over time, holes have formed in the fence and signs have been removed, once again posing a threat to local residents.

To ensure the safety of local residents, Senator Schumer today wrote a letter to Executive Director of New Jersey Transit, Richard Sarles, urging him to schedule more regular inspections of the fence, repair the holes that have formed, and replace the missing multi-lingual warning signs that have been removed or eroded over the years.

"It is outrageous that residents still have access to the Clarkstown-Spring Valley train tracks through holes in the fence," said Schumer. "Too many people have died along these tracks and New Jersey Transit must take every precaution to ensure that the fence is in good condition to prevent residents from taking the deadly shortcut. The fence and the warning signs are ways in the short term to reduce the number of accidents and, hopefully, prevent further deaths."

"I thank Senator Schumer for taking action to prevent further needless deaths at this dangerous location," said Assemblywoman Ellen C. Jaffee. "The Senator's advocacy will lead to timely completion of this project. Along with the construction, we must raise awareness in the community and post signs to inform everybody of the site's deadly history."

"For more than a year, I have worked with Clarkstown residents to promote railroad track safety awareness and education by directing the Clarkstown Safety Manager to attend Operation Lifesaver training and meeting with school and community organizations to promote education initiatives that would encourage residents to stop using the tracks as a means of getting around town. Additionally, I directed the start of sidewalk construction in areas where residents are prone to utilize the rail tracks. These efforts are successful only with the assurance of fence rehabilitation by New Jersey Transit. I applaud Senator Schumer's efforts to ensure such fence repairs along Lawrence Street and hope that his assistance will result in the repairs my office has also long advocated for," said Supervisor Alex Gromack.

Since 1985, there have been dozens of accidents and thirteen deaths as a result of people trying to cross the Clarkstown-Spring Valley railroad tracks. Many people crossing over the tracks are new to this country, do not have their own transportation, and are trying to catch rides along Route 59.

In 2002, Schumer sent a letter to former Executive Director of New Jersey Transit, George Warrington, asking him to install fencing and multi-lingual warning signs along this stretch of tracks as soon as possible as a short term solution to help reduce the number of accidents and prevent further deaths.

Under pressure from Senator Schumer, the railroad built fences and placed warning signs along both sides of the tracks but over time, digging or erosion have created holes under the fence, providing access to the tracks.

Today, to help prevent future deaths along the tracks, Schumer today called on the Executive Director of the NJ Transit authority to repair the holes in the fence and schedule regular inspections to ensure the integrity of the structure. Schumer also pushed the transit authority to replace the missing multi-lingual signs along the tracks to ensure that all residents are aware of the danger.

In the letter, Schumer said, "While I am grateful that NJ Transit heeded my request in 2002 to construct a fence to act as a barrier to the tracks, I am troubled by reports that the fence has succumbed to holes through which people are passing. I ask that NJ Transit ensure that the fence is in a state-of-good-repair that will prevent residents from taking this dangerous shortcut. I believe this would be best-accomplished by immediately repairing any holes that are in the fence, while also scheduling routine inspections and maintenance to prevent future gaps from forming."

Below is a full copy of the Senator's letter

Dear Mr. Sarles:

I write to express concern with New Jersey Transit's (NJ Transit) maintenance of the fencing along the Clarkstown-Spring Valley rail crossing in Rockland County, NY. At my request, NJ Transit constructed this fencing, along with multi-lingual warning signs, in 2002 to prevent residents from cutting across the tracks to reach Route 59. I am concerned with the fence's state-of-repair, and I ask that NJ Transit repair holes along the fence and schedule regular maintenance and inspection of the structure. Additionally, I urge you to replace missing signs along the route, and ensure that those signs include graphics so that all can understand the danger.

Since 1985, thirteen people have tragically died while cutting through the Clarkstown-Spring Valley rail crossing. While I am grateful that NJ Transit heeded my request in 2002 to construct a fence to act as a barrier to the tracks, along with multi-lingual warnings to caution residents, I am troubled by reports that the fence has succumbed to holes through which people are passing. Many of the people who cross over the tracks are non-English speakers who rely on public transportation along Route 59.

I ask that NJ Transit ensure that the fence is in a state-of-good-repair that will prevent residents from taking this dangerous shortcut. I believe this would be best-accomplished by immediately repairing any holes that are in the fence, while also scheduling routine inspections and maintenance to prevent future gaps from forming.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I know that you share my commitment to protecting the safety of every Rockland County resident. If you have any questions or need further information please contact my Hudson Valley office at 914-734-1532.

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