News Releases

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 your area. Consistent with the standards and regulations of the United States Department of Transportation through the Federal Railroad Administration, operating speeds of trains will increase on these lines.

Following Federal Railroad Administration 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 Verdi, Minn., Elkton, Aurora and east of Brookings, SD, areas. Trains traveling through the communities and areas of Verdi and Elkton will begin to operate at a speed of 25 mph effective immediately and will increase speed to a maximum speed of 40 mph by the end of July.
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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