Photo from enr.com.
Imani Tailly, News Editor
In collaboration with the Norfolk Southern Rail Company, this article serves as a reminder about the importance of safety around on-campus and near-campus railroad crossings. UNCG has a smaller campus compared to other universities, making it walkable for many students. Along with this, the campus and wider area host a variety of stops and small businesses to explore. With this accessibility, it’s not surprising to see students enjoying the outdoors and exploring what the city has to offer; however, the area also features many railroads, with one even passing through campus behind the Oakland parking deck. Because of the pedestrian underpass created below the track, students are able to travel safely under the railroad; however, this is not the case for all railroad tracks running through the area. With a recent accident involving a person being killed after being hit by a train in the area, it’s important to know how to keep yourself safe while enjoying the area.
One of the most important things to remember is to stay alert. Trains can be much faster and quieter than you may believe. Cross tracks only at designated crossings and, when crossing, stay aware of your surroundings and do not linger on the tracks. It’s important to remember that trains do not run on a set schedule. Though a train may not have come at one time yesterday, it could arrive at that time today. This also means a train could be coming in the opposite direction from what you are familiar with, so take care to look both ways before crossing an active railroad. Always stay alert and listen for an incoming train, following crossing signals and only crossing at designated crosswalks.
For students who are walking on campus, it’s also important to remember to avoid distractions and shortcuts that may force you to cross tracks whenever possible. Avoid checking your phone and wearing headphones that may make it harder to hear an incoming train. Though a route over tracks may be faster, it can also be more dangerous, especially if it is not a designated crossing. Do not take undesignated shortcuts over tracks and never cross tracks when a gate is lowered. Follow all crossing signals and wait until it is safe to cross at the designated crossing.With the number of people who were killed by trains rising in 2025, safety around railways is an issue that isn’t discussed enough. We hope that this guide helps you as you travel across campus and across an area that features a number of railways. For more information about keeping yourself safe, check out Norfolk Southern’s rail safety video, as well as their website. Lastly, review the graphic below for more details and helpful information on railway safety.
