
Train Speeds Are Increasing Through Waterville, Maine
CSX Transportation has announced that they are increasing the current speed limit for the trains from 25 mph to 40 mph In Waterville. That's got a few people in the area concerned about the higher speed.
Where Will The Speed Increase Be?
CSX says the new 40 mph speed is between College Avenue, near CSX's rail yard, and Marston Road. Although this is a busy area of Waterville, there are enough signals and gates at railroad crossings that drivers and pedestrians should have plenty of warning when a 40 mph train comes through.
READ MORE: Close Call: Video Shows Driver Nearly Getting Struck by a Train in Portland, Maine
Why The Speed Increase?
For freight railroads, time is money. The quicker you can get to your destination on your route the better. Though a 15 mph speed increase doesn't seem like much, it adds up. CSX is aware that the new speeds will have people concerned, but they remind drivers to stop at railroad crossings when lights are flashing and gates are down and if you should get stuck on the crossing for care trouble or something similar, call the CSX Public Safety Coordination Center at 800-232-0144.
What Allows CSX Trains to Go Faster?
Notice the rails lying on the ground ready to be installed? The difference between those rails and the ones that have been installed for many decades is that they are what is called "continuous welded rail." These rails are all laid down in one contnous rail that is only cut at a railroad crossing. Trains no longer make that "clickety-clack" sound that has been associated with old rails as the wheels of trains roll over the joints.
CSX has not announced a date for the speed increase, but the trains are likely running at the new speeds now.
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