Testing conducted to evaluate safety concerns at West Springfield railroad crossing

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Engineers and conductors are beginning to see some progress about improving their working conditions at the Memorial Avenue railroad crossing in West Springfield after diagnostic testing at the site concluded on Wednesday.

Railroad workers, who are members of SMART Local 352, have expressed their concerns about their working conditions when carrying 33,000 gallons of propane across Memorial Avenue. With minimal lights and guardrails to stop traffic, it forces employees to actually get off the train and put down flares, so the train can pass through.

On Wednesday, members from the railroad carrier CSX, the Massachusetts Department of Utilities, MassDOT, the Federal Railroad Administration, SMART Local 352, State Senator John Velis’ office, and the Town of West Springfield met to evaluate the situation and see who is responsible for needed improvements. Zachary Gillespie, one of the train conductors on the line, explained what workers are trying to avoid under the current conditions.

“The potential of a vehicle collision or any of that, getting myself ran over or any of our members,” Gillespie said.

Although the meeting is a step in the right direction, who is responsible for making the improvements is still unknown.

“Nobody really understands or is really aware of who is responsible for maintaining the crossing or doing the improvements,” Gillespie explained.

Christopher Tyrrell, a legislative representative for SMART Local 352, told us what they are looking ahead for in the future.

“We’re going to look at what type of aperitifs is going to be best for the community, whether it’s gates, it’s lights, whether it’s actual stop lights that people have to stop for and have the lights behind them,” Tyrrell noted.

In the meantime, he urged the public to be aware of the railroad crossing.

“People driving this road, I please ask that you know this is an active crossing and trains can cross at any time and please be aware of that. You look for the lights, listen to the sounds, the horns, the bells, and please stop and look both ways,” Tyrrell added.

Western Mass News received a statement from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities following the evaluation which said, in part: “Today, which is National Grade Crossings Safety Day, the Department of Public Utilities, through its rail transit safety division, has begun the process of conducting a diagnostic review to assess the safety risks posed at the Memorial Ave. crossing and plans to work collaboratively with all stakeholders towards a safe solution.”

We reached out to CSX and they told us they are very supportive of enhancing the safety conditions for the community and their workers and continue to encourage individuals to pay attention and stop at the crossings.