A Brookhaven railroad crossing was made a little safer last weekwhen officials added extra precautions for motorists.

The crossing on Industrial Park Road between Manufacturer’sBoulevard and Railroad Street features flashing lights and acrossing rail, which are significant improvements.

“It was just a cross buck crossing only, but with the highvolume of street traffic it needed more than that,” said T.H.Magee, signal supervisor for Canadian National/IllinoisCentral.

Magee mentioned the number of 18-wheelers traveling through theintersection because of the local industries and a high number offamily vehicles coming through the crossing en route to theBrookhaven/Lincoln County Sports Complex and Multi-UseFacility.

He hopes the crossing will make motorists more aware of thepotentially dangerous intersection, where a few minor accidentshave occurred over the years.

“Since this track is not used as much as the main line, peoplebecome complacent about it,” said Magee.

The new cautionary measures were installed and tested last week,then engaged over the weekend.

Magee pointed out that the new crossing is now much moreup-to-date with several interesting features.

The most important and useful feature of the new crossing is thecomputer tracking system that records all activity at theintersection. It also makes sure the lights are functioningproperly at all times.

The computer system will be beneficial to railroad officialsduring court proceedings where the ability of crossing rails isoften tested and argued. Hundreds of small light bulbs connected tomake one large light also makes the crossing more efficient.

“If one bulb burns out, it won’t affect it because there’s somany other bulbs. The old ones just had one light,” said Magee,referring to the new technique as light emitted diode.

He hopes the “state-of-the art” equipment will help make theintersection safe for years to come. But Magee also said herealizes that even with the best technology, only respect fordanger can save lives.

“The only way this will help make it safer is for people to stopwhen the lights are flashing and the rail comes down,” said Magee,adding that it is illegal to cross through an intersection blockedwith engaged crossing guards.