Have You Ever Wondered What the Blue Signs at Railroad Crossings Are For?

In recent years, railroads like CSX and the St. Lawrence and Atlantic railroad have added blue signs at railroad crossings that can help in an emergency.

ENS

In 2008 the Railway Safety and Improvement Act was passed, which, among other things, mandated a 2012 Federal Railroad Administration rule that created the Emergency Notification System or 'ENS' for short..

ENS allows you to contact the dispatcher of the railroad in case of an emergency.

Types of Emergencies

One of the most dangerous emergencies is when a car or, worse yet, a tractor-trailer truck gets stuck on a railroad crossing. This video from Virtual Railfan, shows a driver trying to cross the tracks as the lights are flashing, bells are ringing, and gates are coming down.

It took 53 seconds for the train to come to a complete stop. Hitting the car was inevitable.

What to Do in an Emergency

Look for the blue ENS signs at the crossing. They may be mounted on the crossing signals or on a post next to them. The one above is in Falmouth on the CSX Railroad's line.

The sign provides a phone number and a crossing number. Calling the number will connect you with a dispatcher who, with that information, can stop any trains that may be approaching the crossing.

This one in particular sees a lot of rail traffic between freight trains and the Amtrak Downeaster. The crossing is on a straight track, so speeds are higher and trains won't be able to stop in time in case of an emergency, unless, of course, drivers find the blue ENS sign and call the emergency number.

READ MORE: Dog Stuck on Railroad Tracks Nearly Hit by Amtrak Downeaster is Saved by Drone