KCS Opens Victoria - Rosenberg Line

[KCSfan]

The following announcement signals the start of operations by KCS over the rebuilt former T&NO "Macaroni" line between Victoria and Rosenberg, TX.   Mark     KCS News 6/12/2009 KCS announces start of rail operations on Victoria to Rosenberg rail line; Partners with Texas Operation Lifesaver and TxDOT to promote rail crossing safety In a news release on June 10, KCSR announced that it will begin operating freight trains on its newly rehabilitated line from Victoria to Rosenberg, Texas on June 17.  This renewed operation restores rail service to communities along the line and brings needed rail capacity to south Texas to reduce highway congestion and the number of trucks on Texas highways.  As an important part of a transcontinental main line that connects the heartland of the United States with the heartland of Mexico and as an important part of a rail network that connects with every other major rail carrier in North America, the restoration of the line will also make this part of the state more economically competitive, leading to future economic opportunity and jobs. Safe operations are paramount as train operations begin.  As designated by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and as part of the joint TxDOT/KCSR corridor plan: • Fifty-two sets of flashers/gates and KCSR emergency notification signs have been installed at public at-grade crossings.  One more set of flashers/gates will be installed at the intermodal shipper facility near Kendleton.  • Crossbucks with a STOP or YIELD sign, reflective striping and KCSR emergency notification signs have been installed at the remaining public at-grade crossings.  • In advance of each public, at-grade crossing is an Advance Warning sign with pavement markings and stop bar markings applied on paved roads. • In addition to these warning devices, signs and markings, all trains approaching public at-grade crossings are required by federal regulation to sound their horn a minimum of fifteen seconds before reaching the crossing, regardless of the time of day.  Train operations will begin gradually in order to allow motorists to adjust to the restored service.  In the first few days of operations, trains will run a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour over all public crossings.  The maximum authorized speed will increase to 25 miles per hour beginning June 29.  Except for segments of the line where there will be speed restrictions, maximum train speeds will increase to 40 miles per hour beginning July 13.  Beginning August 1, the maximum authorized speed will increase to and remain at 49 miles per hour. To help prepare the community for the restoration of rail service, KCSR has partnered with Texas Operation Lifesaver (TXOL) to promote rail grade crossing safety with a multi-media advertising campaign and presentations throughout the Victoria to Rosenberg corridor.  TXOL educates drivers and pedestrians to make safe decisions at rail crossings and around railroad tracks.  TXOL has trained several volunteer presenters to carry its safety message to schools, trucking companies and local industries.  Several schools and civic groups have already scheduled presentations.  KCSR will also promote public safety in other public forums.  To schedule a presentation, please contact Texas Operation Lifesaver at 800-362-2210 or [e-mail]. TXOL and KCSR support active enforcement of traffic laws relating to crossing signs and signals and private property laws related to trespassing.  TXOL and KCSR are contacting area law enforcement and emergency responders to offer free Rail Safety for Emergency Responder training and Grade Crossing Collision and Trespass prevention training.   As train operations begin, regardless of whether the crossing is public or private or what type of warning is in place, motorists and pedestrians are urged to always expect a train.  In addition, pedestrians are urged to stay off railroad rights-of-way.  Do not walk along the track or trespass on railroad rights-of-way and only cross the tracks at designated crossings.