New train warning system to keep train drivers on the move

HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) – A new train warning system is designed to reroute train drivers stuck on the wrong side of the tracks.

Many Hixson residents have found themselves stranded at the Hamill Road railroad crossing on numerous occasions. This inconvenience can become life-threatening as there is a hospital nearby.

On Tuesday, a warning system for trains was presented that is intended to keep train drivers on the move.

When asked by drivers how annoying it is to be stuck behind a train, Jeff Hunneky replied, “Very. I’m always in a rush to get somewhere.”

Four new train warning signs, two in Hixson along Hamill and Cassandra Smith Roads and two along Hickory Valley Road, will indicate when the roads will be closed.

“If we have a forecast of when the train will arrive, we can expect that information to be displayed on the information sign,” said Ken Doyle, Chattanooga transportation project manager. “It will say something like, ‘The Hamill Road railroad crossing is occupied, there are over six minutes left to clear it.'”

The signs are powered by a partnership with TRAINFO, a company that has placed audio sensors at various points along the tracks to detect when trains are coming.

They will also examine the impact on emergency response time.

“This is especially important here at the Hamill Crossing with the CHI Memorial in close proximity,” said Jeerle Neeld, acting CIO of Chattanooga.

For drivers in Hixson, getting stuck at this railroad crossing can be a real pain. For example, if you’re heading west on Hamill Road toward Highway 153, you’ll be stuck in a long line of cars. You’ll have to turn around to get back to Hixson Pike or head toward Lake Resort Drive, where road construction is currently taking place.

Hunneky, a Hixson resident, was stuck behind a train twice on Tuesday.

“Yes, two, yes. I got stuck in one about an hour ago, so this is my second one today,” he explained.

The city administration hopes that this is only a temporary solution.

“It’s a compromise given the incredible cost and complexity of rerouting the entire roadway above or below the trains… We’re not going to budge on where we think a new railroad crossing should go. And while this solution isn’t perfect, it’s better than what we had, which is nothing,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly.

Officials said they hope to expand this project to other border crossings in the city and county. They also said they are working to compile a list of the hotspots they receive the most complaints about.