From a DM&E news release, verbatim.

November 6, 1996

FASTER TRAINS BRING CROSSING SAFETY REMINDER

DM&E Railroad completes track improvements between Wessington and Fort Pierre, S.D.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

BROOKINGS, SD - A number of "near miss" encounters has prompted the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad to remind motorists to watch out for trains and obey warning signs and signals at grade crossings.

DM&E locomotive engineers have reported several instances of motorists trying to beat trains at crossings, particularly between Wessington and Fort Pierre, S.D., where the railroad recently upgraded 100 miles of track.

"We've gradually increased train speeds from 10 to 40 miles per hour," says J. C. "Pete" McIntyre. "At the faster speeds, it takes less than two minutes from (sic) most trains to pass."

Work installing new rail began April 15 at Wessington and Highmore and progressed during the summer and fall through St. Lawrence, Miller, Ree Heights, Holabird, Harrold, Blunt and Pierre.

"The track improvements are resulting in better service for our customers," says McIntyre.

Safety programs available

DM&E continues to provide "Operation Lifesaver" grade crossing safety programs at schools and service groups in cooperation with the South Dakota Safety Council, the South Dakota Department of Transportation, and Federal Railroad Administration. Anyone interested in arranging for Operation Lifesaver programs should contact Connie Hood, S.D. state coordinator for Operation Lifesaver: 1-800-952-5539.

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