Facebook post warns public to avoid Oak and Railroad/Fifth streets

A Facebook post is urging people to avoid the area of Oak Street and Railroad Street/Fifth Street and to exercise caution at nearby railroad crossings, the post said.

The post reminded motorists and pedestrians to slow down and look both ways before crossing tracks and warned against driving around lowered gates or flashing lights. “Trains are closer and faster than they appear,” the post said, and added that a few seconds of patience at a crossing can save lives.

Railroad crossings are frequent sites of collisions and near-misses because trains cannot stop quickly and vehicles sometimes fail to heed warning signals. Transportation safety authorities routinely advise that motorists obey crossing signals, avoid distractions and never try to beat a train.

The advisory is meant to protect public safety and reduce the risk of serious crashes or disruptions in the area. We will provide more information as it becomes available.