Railroad Crossing Safety & Malfunction Reporting

Nappanee is a city with a rich railroad history, and active train lines remain an essential part of our local infrastructure. Ensuring public safety at our railroad intersections requires cooperation between residents, local dispatch, and the railroad companies that operate the tracks.

If you encounter a malfunctioning gate, a stalled vehicle, or a track obstruction, knowing exactly who to call can prevent a tragedy.

The "Blue Sign": Your Direct Line to the Railroad

Many drivers assume that calling 911 or City Hall is the quickest way to fix a broken railroad gate or stop an oncoming train. However, the fastest way to alert a railroad dispatcher to an issue on the tracks is by using the Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign.

What is the ENS Sign?

Every public railroad crossing features a small, federally mandated blue sign. It is typically located right on the silver metal post holding the crossbuck or the gate machinery.

Every blue sign contains two critical pieces of information:

• The Emergency Toll-Free Number: This connects you directly to the specific railroad company’s central dispatch center.
• The DOT Crossing Number: A unique 6-digit number followed by a letter (e.g., 123 456A). This sequence acts like a GPS address, telling the railroad dispatcher exactly which crossing you are referencing across the entire country.

Step-by-Step Protocols for Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: The Gates are Down / Lights Flashing with No Train

If a gate is stuck down, signal lights are continuously flashing, or a crossing appears to be malfunctioning:

1. Never attempt to drive around or under down gates. It is illegal and highly dangerous.
2. Safely pull over away from the tracks.
3. Locate the blue ENS sign and call the toll-free number listed.
4. Provide the operator with the DOT Crossing Number. They will dispatch a maintenance crew and flag oncoming trains to stop or slow down.
5. If the down gates are causing an immediate, severe traffic hazard, call the Nappanee Police Department Non-Emergency Dispatch at 574-773-4111 to assist with traffic control.

Scenario 2: A Vehicle is Stalled or Stuck on the Tracks

If your vehicle, or a vehicle you see, becomes stuck on the tracks:

1. Get Everyone Out Immediately: Evacuate all passengers from the vehicle right away, regardless of whether a train is visible.
2. Move Away at an Angle: Run away from the tracks, but move at a 45-degree angle toward the direction the train would be coming from. If a train strikes the vehicle, the debris will fly forward in the direction the train is moving. Running toward the train's origin keeps you out of the debris path.
3. Call for Immediate Help: Once you are a safe distance away, look for the blue sign to call the railroad directly, or immediately call 911.

Key Traffic Laws to Remember

• Do Not Gridlock: Never pull onto a railroad crossing unless you are certain there is enough clear space on the other side to fully clear the tracks.
• Obey the Signals: Flashing red lights at a crossing mean the exact same thing as a solid red traffic light—drivers must stop completely.
• Expect a Train at Any Time: Always look both ways before crossing. Trains do not run on fixed public schedules and can occupy a crossing at any time of day or night.

Important Contact Numbers