Berkley Fire and Rescue Department Chief Scott Fournier reminds the community that the South Coast Rail project is operating test trains to and from the towns to and from Middleborough, East Taunton, Freetown, Fall River and New Bedford. These trains are running along the South Coast Rail Right-of-Way (ROW).
The test trains will travel the corridor, reaching speeds of up to 79 mph, much faster than current freight trains at 25 mph.
The MBTA will continue testing to meet federally mandated safety requirements into early 2025, followed by simulated service for another 90 days.
Chief Fournier would like to remind everyone in the area—whether you live, work, drive by, or cross the tracks—to get ready for highspeed trains, as they will become a common sight in the region. It’s important to remember that only trains should be on the right-of-way.
It is illegal and life-threatening to walk on or along the tracks.
While the new trains are operating throughout multiple towns, Berkley crossings for the New Bedford Mainline (NBML) are on Cotley St., Padelford St. and Myricks St. Crossings for the Fall River Secondary Line (FRSL) are on Mill St. and Adams Lane.
- The only safe place to cross train tracks is ONLY at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings – obey warning signs and signals posted there.
- Trains are quieter and faster than you think! And the average train traveling 55 mph can take a mile or more to stop.
- Using the railroad ROW to hunt, fish, operate snowmobiles or ATVs, or for any other recreational purpose is trespassing and extremely dangerous.
- Never attempt to outrun an approaching train. Remember that a train can take a mile or more to stop.
- Never stop your vehicle on a grade crossing waiting for traffic to move.
- The average train is three feet wider than the track on each side, putting the safety zone for pedestrians well beyond the three-foot mark.
- Stay alert around railroad tracks. Refrain from texting, using headphones or other distractions that would prevent you from hearing an approaching train.
- Freight trains don’t travel at fixed times, and schedules for passenger trains often change. Always expect a train at each railroad intersection at any time.
- Trains have the right of way 100% of the time over emergency vehicles, cars, police and pedestrians.
- Today’s trains are quieter than ever, producing no telltale “clackety-clack.” Any approaching train is always closer and moving faster than you think. Trains cannot stop quickly enough to avoid a collision.
- Call the Emergency Notification System number, located near the crossing, to report problems or obstructions at the crossing.
On behalf of the Berkley Fire and Rescue Department, Chief Fournier reminds the community to stay safe!
