A few weeks ago we were told that VTA planned to remove all of the railroad crossing signals and shacks along our trail. We were told they were hazardous, although no one explained why this became urgent after 20 years
We were happy to hear that the shacks would go because they’ve become a major nuisance and often have been a health hazard.
But we were alarmed at the possible loss of the signal signs which we hoped to retain as a feature on a finished trail. An FFWT team lead by Korey Richardson has identified 19 signals we wanted retained for the trail. But how?
We contacted VTA General Manager Nuria Fernandez and she arranged for storage of 12 of 19 signals. Today Davide Vieira, David Dickey, Bob & Mary Van Cleef and I walked the trail with Angela Sipp and Robert Dona of VTA and identified 12 signals to be stored. We would have liked more, but some of the others are less than ideal and 12 will be a significant reminder of the history of our trail. Robert also agreed to try to save a few more of the X signs (rather than the complete signals structures) for us if possible.
I’ve attached two photos — one of the RR signal at 23rd and E.William Street (a typical example) and one of our team.
This is a nice Christmas gift from VTA and good work by the FFWT executive committee.
Best, Terry
Follow this link to the original post about creating RailRoad based Trail Crossing Lights.