News Releases

Public Notice

Increase in Train Speeds to Improve Safety

Sioux Falls, SD – Recent improvements to increase safety and upgrade the Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern (DM&E) 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 DM&E 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 Lake Preston and Iroquois areas. Trains traveling through these areas will be operating at 25 mph in the near future and will increase to a maximum speed of 40 mph. These increases will be 5 mph increments starting at the end of August.

This measure is expected to improve public traffic flow and grade crossing safety by enhancing train traffic movement through the area. Statistics show that more highway-rail grade crossing collisions occur at slower train speeds. At the same time, slower train speeds can cause traffic delays as trains occupy street or highway crossings for longer time periods.

Motorists are required to yield to trains approaching or occupying railroad grade crossings at streets and highways. Please take the time to review these important safety reminders:

• 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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