New Signs in Somis Warn of Trains

Warning signs in English and Spanish have been posted near rural railroad crossings in Somis where several fatal accidents have occurred in recent years.

The 10 safety signs warn people to “Stop, Look and Listen” for trains, officials said. The mostly private crossings are typically marked with stop signs instead of the flashing lights and gates found at public road crossings.

“Over the past 10 years there have been several accidents at these railroad crossings,” said Keith Millhouse, chairman of the Ventura County Transportation Commission. “We want to remind people to use extra care when around these tracks.”

The commission installed the signs in cooperation with Union Pacific Railroad, which owns the rail line, and Operation Lifesaver, a national railroad safety organization. The signs cost $3,200.

About 24 passenger and freight trains pass through Somis on a typical day. Because there are no stations between Moorpark and Camarillo, trains run at full speed, about 79 mph.

In September 2002, a Somis man was killed when his truck was hit by a Metrolink commuter train at an ungated crossing in the tiny rural community. A Camarillo woman was killed in April of that year when her car was struck by an Amtrak passenger train at an ungated crossing near the same location.

In November 2001, a farm worker was killed when his tractor was struck by an Amtrak train as he attempted to cross an ungated section of track near Camarillo.