Union Pacific Railroad will install a safety fence along the downtown Truckee corridor from the McIver Train Depot Fence 1 Crossing roundabout to Bridge Street.

Crossing railroad tracks in non-designated areas is considered trespassing, punishable by fines or arrest. Last year in California, 154 pedestrians were injured or killed while illegally crossing train tracks, including one in Truckee.

Union Pacific Railroad has grown increasingly concerned with the number of pedestrians illegally crossing the tracks downtown, prompting the company to install a safety fence.

The fence will be aesthetically similar to the Depot wrought iron fence.

Safety tips:

• The only safe place to cross is at a designated public crossing with a crossbuck, flashing red lights, or a gate. Cross tracks ONLY at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings.

• It can take a mile or more to stop a train, so a locomotive engineer who suddenly sees someone on the tracks will likely be unable to stop in time.

• Do not cross the tracks immediately after a train passes. A second train might be blocked by the first. Trains can come from either direction. Wait until you can see clearly around the first train in both directions.

• Flashing red lights indicate a train is approaching from either direction. Never walk around or behind lowered gates at a crossing, and do not cross the tracks until the lights have stopped flashing and it’s safe to do so.
• Be aware trains do not follow set schedules.