Controversy Over Signal Operation After NS Train Smacks 18-Wheeler
(Gainesville, Virginia – December 9, 2011)
Witnesses claimed there was never an activation of lights and gates at the crossing of Norfolk Southern rails and Linton Hall Road in Gainesville, VA Friday afternoon about 5:30 P.M., where a Norfolk Southern freight train bashed a semi-trailer truck, creating what was described as a “horrific” traffic tie-up.
The 18-wheeler was stuck in traffic on the crossing before the train appeared upon the scene.
While one witness to the non-injury wreck said the crossing warning lights never came on, another said her husband was nearly hit by a train at that same crossing last week when the flashing lights and gates never activated.
The accident closed all four lanes of U.S. Highway 29 and the exits from Interstate Highway 66 into Gainesville, as well as jamming traffic on Virginia Highway 55, I-66 and U.S. 29 for hours.
