Train delays frustrating; potentially fatal for some

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Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Train delays frustrating; potentially fatal for some

Life-and-death situations threatened by long wait at railroad crossings
By L.C. Greene
Staff Writer

Saturday, August 06, 2005 - Growing numbers of mile-long freight trains, lumbering or even stopped behind flashing crossing arms, are causing frustrating to potentially life-threatening delays throughout the Inland Empire.

Fire trucks, ambulances and police vehicles are sometimes forced to wait for several minutes, seek alternate routes, or call for backup.

"These are life-and-death situations," said David Sandretti, a spokesman for Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., who has called on the federal government to take action on the matter.

The massive highway and mass transit bill passed by Congress July 29 includes a Boxer-authored provision ordering a study of the impact of trains on responding ambulance, fire and police vehicles.

(snip).

Staff writer Joe Nelson contributed to this story.

L.C. Greene can be reached by e-mail at [e-mail] or by phone at [phone].

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