LIRR strikes tractor-trailer in Farmingdale

[PlaneLoverA380]

At 5:40 PM Wednesday an M7 hit a tractor-trailer, destroyed a gate at the Merrits Rd. crossing in Farmingdale.

[newkirk]

Spoke to the truck driver who said $80,000 down the drain.

[LB]

Perhaps they can use one of the signals harvested from Urban or Covert Avenues to replace the broken signal at Merrits Rd. Not sure how many spare Model 10 RR Crossing signals they keep in stock at the signal department.

[bellstbarn]

It seems that service was restored on both tracks in about four hours. What condition allowed such a quick removal of the crash? Did any of the train wheels derail?
Thanks.

[PlaneLoverA380]

I heard that the train pulled away on its own power to Farmingdale nearby.

[nyandw]

With crossing gate protection, etc. perhaps some truck drivers may chime in as to how this occurs? Is it mechanical brake failure, speeding, ignoring the gates, or?

[bellstbarn]

About 5 p.m. today, Friday, I visited the site at Merritts Road. From the photos posted above, I presume the tractor trailer was heading north, uphill, and got whacked near the 3 Brothers Pizza. In the course of ten minutes, two southbound sedan drivers, eager to join the line awaiting a traffic signal at Hempstead Turnpike let their rear extend into the railroad's right-of-way when stopped. The gates came down, and a pedestrian gate (southwest quadrant) rested on the passenger-side mirror of one. The driver and her companion were middle-aged women.