MN Train Fatally Strikes Track Worker Near Milford

The only place a shunt would not work is where there is no cab signal system, such as the Waterbury Branch. This is one of many reasons that the FRA has mandated all tracks must have PTC.

MNR: Shunting devices will now be used on parts of the New Haven Line, but will only augment, not replace current safety procedures
http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut ... 0972.story" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

From the New Haven Register:

Metro-North rail team support graduating son of fallen East Haven coworker

"Robert Luden Jr. flashed a grin almost as wide as the Housatonic River Wednesday evening as he approached the stage set up at East Haven High School’s Crisafi Field. To his left sat a row of family members, and just behind them, rows of Metro-North rail workers clad in Yellow Jacket gold, with “LUDEN” printed across the chest, all men and women who consider the graduate an extension of their tight-knit family as well."

A very nice gesture on the part of Robert Luden's fellow workers.

Link to story:http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2013 ... 797014.txt

Bill D wrote:...
A very nice gesture on the part of Robert Luden's fellow workers.

...

That was a terrific thing for them to do. What a time for a kid to lose his Dad.

FWIW, the Westchester County newspaper (Journal News) had an article today (Thurs, Aug. 1, 2013) about new safety policies. An excerpt (hopefully small enough to count as fair use):

Journal News wrote: Metro-North’s plan to improve worker safety includes overhauling how track workers communicate with rail traffic controllers and testing new procedures for work zones. The four-month pilot program involves setting up physical barriers in work zones and attaching shunts to the track. Shunts are devices with stop signals to alert an approaching train operator of a construction area.

The article mentions that they will only use the shunts on the NH line because:

Journal News wrote:Metro-North officials have said using the devices [shunts] in areas with a third rail pose a danger to workers installing and removing them.

I'm not sure why adding shunts in 3rd-rail territory is more dangerous than any other work in 3rd-rail territory, but I'm not a track worker.

I'm glad MN is making it safer for track workers. It is profoundly sad however that it took a tragedy to bring about these changes. A case of being reactive rather than being proactive.