Commuter Rail Crossing Issues Cause Delays Across Melrose
By Ellen Putnam
Over the last few days, Melrose residents have experienced traffic jams and snarl-ups at all four of the city’s street-level train crossings. At West Foster Street and West Wyoming Street in particular, but at West Emerson Street and Franklin Street as well, cars have been stuck in long lines, waiting for train gates that appear to be stuck in the “down” position. Melrose Police Department officers have been dispatched in several instances to direct traffic.
Keolis, which operates the MBTA Commuter Rail, explained the reason for the issues in a statement. “If there is ever any issue at a crossing,” Keolis said, “the gates are designed to stay in a down position for safety. Earlier today, the gates at four crossings in Melrose assumed a safe mode due to an issue caused by road salt and recent freeze/thaw cycles.”
Commuter rail workers could be seen throughout the day working on each crossing, and some residents reported seeing conductors get out of the train at each crossing to lead it slowly through the intersection.
“Keolis and MBTA Commuter Rail commit to addressing every issue as quickly as possible,” the Keolis statement went on. “We know that the gates being in the down position for extended periods of time can be inconvenient and we appreciate everyone’s patience. Crews were quickly dispatched to the Melrose crossings, and all have resumed normal operation.”
If residents notice an issue with a commuter rail crossing, they are encouraged to call the phone number on the sign at each crossing to notify Keolis of the issue. They can also call the Melrose Police Department non-emergency number if they notice a safety issue of any kind. Travelers should never drive or walk through closed train gates unless directed to do so by a police officer or commuter rail employee.
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