Train Hazard

It is increasingly apparent that the Santa Fe Railway’s single-track coast line serving San Diego is becoming extremely hazardous, judging by the recent tragic deaths of pedestrians and injuries to Amtrak passengers. An increase in population along the unprotected right of way, combined with a projected increase in train frequency, a reduction in noise level due to replacement of jointed rails with continuous welded rail and Amtrak’s new push-pull trains are contributing to the problem.

Ever since the very first day of passenger train operation in England on Sept. 15, 1830, when a member of Parliament was killed by an oncoming train, the British have kept their railways completely off limits to the public by building walls, fences and bridges. The few remaining grade crossings are fully protected by barriers or gates and are either manned or monitored by remote TV cameras.

Many grade crossings between Oceanside and Del Mar could be replaced with overpasses by keeping the track at the same level instead of allowing it to rise and fall with the terrain between lagoons.

With the new source of funding available from the recently approved propositions, making the railroad safer should be high on the priority list. Both the freeways and the San Diego Trolley have been successful in keeping their rights of way clear of pedestrians by adequate fencing. The San Diego Trolley’s East Line even has dedicated pedestrian crossings protected by flashing red lights and bells.

There is no reason why this cannot be implemented on the coast line. In the meantime, more warning signs should be posted and Amtrak engineers should be instructed to sound their horns more frequently.

TREVOR G. CLARKE, San Diego