Rail Runner completes crossing safety review, lifts temporary speed restrictions

The Rio Metro Regional Transit District lifted speed restrictions on Rail Runner Express crossings in Santa Fe, N.M., this week following a four-month safety review by local, state and federal government transportation officials.

During the past 120 days, the district, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), New Mexico Department of Transportation, New Mexico Public Regulation Commission and city of Santa Fe conducted a diagnostic review of 14 crossings in the Santa Fe area. Input from FRA safety experts helped ensure the highest appropriate level of safety was provided at the crossings, Rio Metro officials said in a press release.

While crossing improvements were identified and implemented, trains operated at slower-than-usual speeds through the crossings. Improvements ranged from sign and pavement marking improvements to new gates at rail trails.

"The amount of pedestrian and bicycle activity in and around these crossings had increased in the last couple of years," said Terry Doyle, director of Rio Metro Regional Transit District. "We wanted to make sure we were doing all we could in the way of making these crossings as safe as possible for those who use them."