Maximum Overkill in New Mexico

[Smjh1979]

Looking at the FRA, that private crossing has supposedly become a public crossing now. It was changed to public in 2008.

[Mafarnz]

When Rail Runner first started running, they had a LOT of fatal accidents at crossings like the ones that were posted. That, along with numerous complaints about increased horn noise, lead them to declare almost the entire line between Albuquerque & Bernalillo a quiet zone (when I rode it in Dec 2009 the train only blew it's horn for two crossings in that length). The "overkill" crossings as you call it are part of the safety upgrades for the quiet zone, as well as assurances to the family members of those killed that something was done to prevent it from happening again. Remember, passenger trains on that stretch of track go at 80 MPH, so even a simple dirt road needs good crossing protection when there are lots of fast trains everyday.

[SirKrunch]

When Rail Runner first started running, they had a LOT of fatal accidents at crossings like the ones that were posted. That, along with numerous complaints about increased horn noise, lead them to declare almost the entire line between Albuquerque & Bernalillo a quiet zone (when I rode it in Dec 2009 the train only blew it's horn for two crossings in that length). The "overkill" crossings as you call it are part of the safety upgrades for the quiet zone, as well as assurances to the family members of those killed that something was done to prevent it from happening again. Remember, passenger trains on that stretch of track go at 80 MPH, so even a simple dirt road needs good crossing protection when there are lots of fast trains everyday.

You beat me to the punch on this one. I recall watching some news clips on YouTube about an older gentleman who was killed at such a crossing in an accident, and all the neighbors, friends, etc... were calling for gates and the whole works.

[TrainmanKight]

When Rail Runner first started running, they had a LOT of fatal accidents at crossings like the ones that were posted. That, along with numerous complaints about increased horn noise, lead them to declare almost the entire line between Albuquerque & Bernalillo a quiet zone (when I rode it in Dec 2009 the train only blew it's horn for two crossings in that length). The "overkill" crossings as you call it are part of the safety upgrades for the quiet zone, as well as assurances to the family members of those killed that something was done to prevent it from happening again. Remember, passenger trains on that stretch of track go at 80 MPH, so even a simple dirt road needs good crossing protection when there are lots of fast trains everyday.

You beat me to the punch on this one. I recall watching some news clips on YouTube about an older gentleman who was killed at such a crossing in an accident, and all the neighbors, friends, etc... were calling for gates and the whole works.

YEP the typical
THE RAILROAD WANTS US ALL TO DIE routine