‘See tracks, think train,’ officials warn with South Coast Rail testing underway

BERKLEY, Mass. (WLNE) — Testing is underway on the South Coast Rail project, as passenger travel comes to the region for the first time in decades.

South Coast Rail Project Manager Jean Fox said a key safety measure is making sure the public is aware of the 79 mile-per-hour trains passing through.

“We see young drivers getting into cars heading off to school starting a new year,” Fox said. “With fast moving trains, it’s important for people to understand that grade crossings serve an important purpose, and that is to keep you safe and the trains safe.”

Many of the line’s crossings are located in rural areas (WLNE).

Fox offered a simple message to drivers unfamiliar with railroad crossings.

“When you see signals and gates come down, that means stop, a train is coming,” she said.

Officials are making a concerted effort to ensure students, in particular, are safe as school resumes.

“We have worked very closely with all the schools in the region,” Fox said. “We have a set of videos that we urge them to show the students.”

Emergency signs are posted at each crossing (WLNE).

Fox said she was assured the project would proceed safely.

“We’re confident that our schools are ready, our bus drivers are ready,” she said. “We just want our students and their parents safe too.”

The MBTA will continue to run test trains along the South Coast line until its anticipated opening in May.

The branch is an extension of the Middleborough Line Commuter Rail service and will connect Southeastern Massachusetts to the Boston mainline.

Fox said officials are pushing a new motto in the meantime: “see tracks, think train.”