Tuesday afternoon rail news:
West Virginia announces new site to track blocked grade crossings
The Public Service Commission of West Virginia has launched a new online site to report trains blocking grade crossings. By state law, it is illegal for a train to block a crossing for more than 10 minutes except in the case of a continuously moving train or an emergency. “Blocked highway-rail grade crossings are becoming a major problem in West Virginia,” commission chair Charlotte Lane said in a press release. “By reporting these issues, PSC Railroad Safety Inspectors will know where the problems are and will investigate the cause of the blockages. These findings will then be reported to the Federal Railroad Administration for review.” Those reporting blocked crossings can do so here.
Family of man killed by Amtrak train files claims against city and county of San Diego, transit agency
The family of a 79-year-old Chinese immigrant killed early this year when struck by an Amtrak train has filed claims against the city and county of San Diego, and San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System, saying they failed to address a dangerous situation at a San Diego trolley station. The San Diego Reader reports Wentian Zheng, traveling with his wife and family members on the afternoon of Feb. 18, stepped off a trolley at the Washington Street station, and, when crossing the tracks to catch a bus, was struck by an Amtrak train traveling at nearly 50 mph. The claim says it was the second time a person had died at that location. The Federal Railroad Administration attributed the death to Zheng’s decision to illegally cross the railroad tracks after disembarking from the trolley.
Siemens Mobility names Hamlin as head of mass transit for rail infrastructure
Siemens Mobility has named Teri Hamlin head of mass transit for its rail infrastructure business. She will lead the North American Division that provides rail automation, communications, and signaling projects. Previously she served as senior vice president of growth and strategy and Siemens Government Technologies, which provided products and services for federal programs, including defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies.
