The Hamlet Town Council held conversations in a recent meeting about trains blocking the railroad crossing in town.
Several complaint calls were received recently due to two trains that had South Starke Street blocked off for several hours in downtown Hamlet.
According to Indiana state statute on blocked railroad crossings, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled that the State of Indiana cannot enforce their statute fining trains that block crossings for more than ten minutes. Federal laws preempt the state laws in regards to trains.
Although 750 E. was not blocked off and drivers were able to cross over, lack of communication between the railroad companies and the Town of Hamlet could have serious consequences. If there is a medical or fire emergency and trains have Starke Street blocked off and no communication as to what roads have been left open, it could prevent first responders from getting to where they need to be.
The Hamlet Town Council members said they will do what they can to establish a better line of communication but asks that citizens who experience this to take pictures with specific dates and times. Complaints can be filed to the Surface Transportation Board at stb.gov.
