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 New law addresses stops at RR crossings in PTC

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

To maintain access for emergency vehicles at railroad crossings, a new Peachtree City ordinance requires that trains stopped for 15 minutes or more be detached at the location of the crossing.

The ordinance was approved by council at its meeting last week.

Police Chief James Murray said a complaint was received several weeks ago about a train blocking the entry to Wilkes Grove Baptist Church, which prevented a health care worker from assting an urgent care patient who lives nearby. That road is a private drive, but the new ordinance strengthens the city’s position should another similar situation occur, Murray noted in a memo.

The ordinance prohibits a railway crossing for being blocked for more than 15 minutes except under the following conditions:

• When necessary to comply with signals affecting safe movement of trains.

• When necessary to avoid striking an object or person on the track.

• When separation or movement is not possible.

• When the train is disabled.

• When necessary to comply with government safety regulations.

• When the situation involves a train accident.

• When it is an occurrence over which the railroad has no control.