Freight Operator to conduct Positive Train Control testing in Rohnert Park

Wednesday, April 4, 2018 - 2:35pm

Freight operator Northwestern Pacific Railroad Company, which has been testing its Positive Train Control (PTC) system to meet Federal Railroad Administration requirements, will begin testing in the Rohnert Park area Friday, April 6, 2018.

Northwestern Pacific Railroad Company, which operates on portions of track owned by Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART), is completing its overnight testing in the Novato and Petaluma areas and will be moving north to Rohnert Park. All freight testing will be conducted when SMART trains are not operating.

During this phase of the freight operator’s testing, the locomotive will use the train horn only on a limited basis at the Copeland Creek crossing. Freight PTC testing in this area will be conducted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays between 9:30 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., and Fridays and Saturdays between 9:30 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. and will continue through mid-April, depending on test results.

The freight PTC testing will then continue north to Santa Rosa and portions of Windsor. Please check our website regularly for updates on the freight testing schedule in your area.

Northwestern Pacific Railroad Company estimates that it will take up to six months to complete the PTC testing.

SMART reminds the public to be alert and aware at all railroad crossings and near railroad tracks and trains. For more rail safety tips, visit SMART’s safety website at www.BeTrackSmart.org.