For the City Times

MADISON – On Sept. 24, the Wisconsin State Patrol will partner with local law enforcement agencies across the state to enforce laws and help educate travelers on railroad safety.

“Operation Clear Track” is now in its third year and represents the single largest railroad safety law enforcement initiative in the United States and Canada. On Tuesday, law enforcement agencies will target rail crossings with higher levels of motorist and train traffic watching for people trespassing on rail property and for drivers who disobey rail crossing signs and signals.

“Like all of our enforcement efforts, the goal of this initiative is public safety,” said Wisconsin State Patrol Major Adrian Logan. “Officers will take enforcement action when warranted, but the primary focus is to educate people on laws that serve to protect travelers and save lives.”

Wisconsin has more than 3,300 miles of active train tracks and more than 4,000 public railroad crossings. In 2018 in Wisconsin, there were 39 train-related crashes that resulted in 12 injuries and four fatalities. In addition, three fatalities and three injuries resulted from people trespassing on rail property.

Locations where law enforcement officers will monitor rail crossings on Sept. 24 include: Rudolph, WIS 13 near County Road DD, and Nekoosa, Prospect Avenue/Old Highway 73.