Railroad crossings are one piece of driving that almost all motorists in Maine encounter regularly but often don't think about. When you see the red lights flashing and the gate arm come down, that's your cue to halt in place and let a train move through.

What the majority of motorists don't pay attention to is how fast that train is going to move through the intersection with a road. That is likely to change as one company that operates a portion of the train crossings in Maine is upping the speed in which freight trains can pass through.

CSX Transportation Will Increase the Speed Limit for Freight Trains in Maine

According to WMTW, many towns and cities throughout Maine are set to see faster moving trains passing through. CSX Transportation has announced an increased speed limit through railroad crossings, from 25 miles per hour to 40 miles per for freight trains.

A rail road sign in the forest
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The raise in speed limit will allow freight trains to reach their destinations quicker but also not have to slow down as much while traversing railroad crossings in communities like Auburn, Waterville and beyond.

The Dangers of Railroad Crossings in Maine Will Increase

One of the unintended consequences of the freight train speed limit increase will the potential hazards involving motorists and pedestrians.

Maine has seen a high number of incidents involving pedestrian and trains, including multiple incidents in Portland and Old Orchard Beach late last year.

With freight train speeds increasing through crossings, it's important to remember to obey the flashing red lights and gate arms until the train has fully passed through the intersection.


 

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