The driving public has a right to assume that safety features at railroad crossings (i.e., flashing lights and barrier gates) actually work. But the recently installed apparatus on Old Jerusalem Road in Leicester is not yet operational; and the engineering company from Williston that did the installation has simply placed black plastic bags on the black-rimmed lights as a warning to motorists that the crossing safety features are not working — hardly an adequate warning, especially at night.
This crossing (and perhaps others) is now more unsafe than before the installation.
The railroad seems unconcerned about this potentially hazardous condition. The head of the selectboard has made some phone calls — to no avail. In the meantime, a simple stop sign could save a life.
Gloria Currie
Leicester