Re: 11:20 PM update in the RGJ
Author: Mistertower
Date: 06-26-2011 - 19:44
Unfortunately, I know this crossing way too well, as I have railfaned out there in the 1990s frequently as well as ride Amtrak through there. The speed limit on the highway 95 at this crossing is indeed 70 MPH as it usually is on most highways in the State of Nevada. On the Insterstate 80 just north of here, the highway speed limit is 75 MPH unless it has been lowered since I was last out there in the 1990s Going the direction the truck was traveling, highway 95 is next to the UP main up to this crossing for several miles. Then, right before the crossing, the highway curves to the left to cross the track. As you are crossing the track going north, the UP Main curves to your left, and to your right is the West Switch and Controlled Signal for the Passing Track at Ocala and it is straight track for about 4 miles east of here until the mainline curves to the left, passees the train defect detector at MP 323.3 and continues on to the next Passing Track of Toy. If you are paying A FAIR AMOUNT OF ATTENTION, you can't miss this crossing at all, you see it a good distance away as you approach it and it sticks out like a sore thumb. It makes me wonder if the driver was talking on a cell phone and/or text messaging while he was driving, as there is cell coverage at this location. We shall see what the STB tells us as their investigation continues.