Caltrain to trim trees in Atherton - September 24

Caltrain will be trimming the trees along the tracks in Atherton on Sunday, Sept. 24. This work is being done to comply with a federal law that mandates the trimming of trees that obstruct the train engineer’s view of track signals.

Crews will be using chain saws, a “cherry-picker” and a wood chipper. The work will be done from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Track signals play a vital role in the safe operation of trains. Train engineers often do not have an unobstructed view of the railroad tracks and must rely on trackside signals to operate the train. For example, there may be a curve in the tracks that prevents the engineer from seeing very far in front of the train. Even when the engineer is able to see down the tracks, the distance that a train travels before it comes to a stop is often so long as to make eye sight ineffective.

Trackside signals tell the engineer if it is safe to proceed or if it is necessary to stop. If the engineer cannot see the signals it creates a safety hazard for the passengers on the train, as well as for anyone near the train tracks.

There will be some noise from the equipment that is used to accomplish this work, but crews will work as quietly as possible.

Caltrain apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this vital maintenance work.

09/15/06 - crd