Public Notice

Increase in Train Speeds to Improve Safety

Sioux Falls, SD -- Recent improvements to increase safety and upgrade rail corridor infrastructure have been completed in the Pierre/Fort Pierre area. Consistent with the standards and regulations of the United States Department of Transportation through the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), operating speeds of trains will increase on these lines beginning on October 14, 2007.

Following FRA regulations, the railroad will gradually increase the maximum speed limit from 10 mph up to 40 mph for all trains that operate on its tracks through the Pierre/Ft. Pierre,  Hughes and Stanley County areas. Trains traveling through most of the Pierre/Fort Pierre communities will be able to operate at maximum 25 mph, trains traveling by the Bad River Road will operate at maximum 30 mph and trains traveling by Lowell, Golf Course and UPS Road in Hughes County will operate at maximum 40 mph.  These increases will be in 5 mph increments starting on October 14.

This measure is expected to improve public traffic flow.

Motorists are required to yield to trains approaching or occupying railroad grade crossings at streets and highways. Please  remember these important safety pointers:

• Always be prepared to stop when approaching train tracks.
• Do not attempt to drive around the crossing gates if they have been lowered.
• It takes 1 to 1.5 miles for a train to come to a stop after the brakes are applied.
• If your car stalls on the tracks, get out, move off the tracks and call the police or local emergency officials.

For more information please contact DM&E at (605)782-1200 or visit the Operation Lifesaver website at www.oli.org.

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