Changes Coming to Amtrak’s Vermonter in Massachusetts Towns

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Thursday, December 25, 2014

Patrick Sargent, GoLocal Worcester Contributor

Starting next week, Amtrak's Vermonter will be traveling on a new route called the 'Knowledge Corridor' on their daily trips from St.Albans, Vermont to Washington, D.C. In Massachusetts, there will be added stops in Greenfield and Northampton replacing previous service to Amherst.

Currently in ten towns in Western Massachusetts, the speed of the train is only eight to 12 miles per hour. However, the biggest change will be in certain locations on the route speeds will be in excess of 60 mph. 

Here are Seven Steps for Safety from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration:

1. Approach with Care- Warn others that you are slowing down. Turn on 4-way flashers. Use pull-out lane if available.

2. Prepare to stop. - Turn off fans and radio and roll down windows. Locate your cell phone for use in emergency. Stop at least 15 feet, but not more than 50 feet, from nearest rail.

3. Look both ways and listen carefully. -Bend forward to see around mirrors and A-pillars.

4. If it won’t fit, don’t commit. -Do not enter a crossing unless you can drive completely through without stopping! And, remember, trains are wider than the track. Before you pull onto the track, make sure there is enough room on the other side for the back of your vehicle (and any overhanging cargo) to be at least 6 feet beyond the furthest rail.

5.Look again.- Before you move, look again in both directions.

6. Cross tracks with care. - Signal, watch for a safe gap, pull back onto the road if you used a pull-out lane. Use highest gear that will let you cross without shifting.

7. Keep going once you start, even if lights start to flash or gates come down.

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• NEW: Lt. Governor Murray: Transportation ‘Critical’ in Massachusetts
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