SacRT is working with the City of Folsom to improve incident response, strengthen communication and reduce traffic impacts when light rail grade-crossing equipment malfunctions.

Following the October 7 disruption that caused crossing gates to remain down at multiple intersections, SacRT and the City of Folsom met on October 9 to identify immediate improvements and longer-term solutions. The agencies will continue coordinating on the actions below and reviewing progress at follow-up meetings.

Additional Personnel and Equipment

SacRT is advancing plans to assign additional personnel to the Folsom area to improve response readiness, particularly during peak traffic hours.

SacRT is also working to make critical replacement parts and equipment available closer to the area so maintenance crews can respond to disruptions and complete repairs more quickly.

Earlier Notification and Crossing Response

SacRT is developing internal response guidance to improve coordination among Operations, Maintenance and Security personnel when crossing equipment malfunctions occur.

Planned improvements include:

• Notifying Wayside personnel upon the first report of an abnormal train signal so they can assess the issue early and determine whether crossing equipment may also be affected.
• Coordinating train holds at stations when appropriate to support incident assessment and response.
• Prioritizing the assessment of whether crossing gates can be safely raised and secured to reduce roadway traffic impacts.
• Coordinating scene management, equipment assessment and repairs throughout the response.

Only qualified Wayside personnel will determine whether crossing gates can be safely raised and secured. Available actions will depend on train movements, equipment conditions and the repairs required. Safety will remain the priority.

SacRT does not have personnel available to direct roadway traffic. Maintenance crews may use cones or position vehicles to protect employees working near traffic. Requests for additional traffic assistance will be coordinated with the Folsom Police Department as needed.

Report a Crossing Problem

Crossing Gate Hotline: 916-648-8433

If a crossing gate remains down or appears to be malfunctioning, call the Crossing Gate Hotline immediately. The number connects directly to SacRT’s Metro Control, which coordinates the response and dispatches Wayside personnel.

When reporting a problem, provide the crossing location, the conditions observed and when the problem began, if known. Prompt reporting helps SacRT assess the situation and coordinate the appropriate response.

SacRT is working with the City of Folsom to increase awareness of the hotline so residents, motorists and City personnel know how to report crossing problems.

Direct Communication with Folsom and Emergency Responders

SacRT and the City of Folsom are establishing a direct communication process for incidents affecting roadway traffic at light rail crossings.

Planned improvements include:

• Direct notification from SacRT Security to Folsom PD Dispatch when an incident affecting crossings is reported.
• An emergency group text connecting designated SacRT and City contacts to share incident notifications, affected locations, known conditions, response updates and repair status.
• Sharing restoration estimates when available and confirming when repairs and testing are complete.
• Evaluating the use of a virtual Emergency Operations Center during significant incidents to coordinate response resources and public messaging.

The agencies will exchange primary and backup contacts to support communication during evenings, weekends and other periods when incidents may occur.

Public Information and Motorist Alerts

SacRT will provide incident updates through its website, social media channels and mobile app, with communications intended to reach motorists and the broader community as well as transit riders. SacRT Customer Service will support public inquiries and regular updates as information becomes available.

The City of Folsom will share information through its public communication channels. SacRT and the City will continue coordinating on communication support and ways to reach affected residents and motorists.

Monitoring and System Modernization

The affected crossing system does not currently provide automatic alerts to SacRT’s Metro Control for these failures. Problems are typically identified through reports, often first from train operators.

SacRT has made substantial progress in the early planning stages of a major system upgrade intended to improve monitoring and provide automatic alerts when problems occur. Outside technical support has been engaged to evaluate the existing system and help develop requirements for a future request for proposals.

The upgrade represents a significant multimillion-dollar investment, and funding for implementation remains to be secured.

Much of SacRT’s light rail system equipment is more than 30 years old. SacRT is working to address aging infrastructure through its Light Rail Modernization Project while advancing immediate improvements to response procedures, staffing, equipment availability and coordination.

Next Steps

SacRT will continue working with the cities, county and regional partners to strengthen incident readiness, reduce traffic impacts and keep riders, motorists and the community informed.