September 21, 2018 - On Tuesday, Sept. 25 during the Rail Safety Week, Sept. 23-29, the Newark Police Department will join with Amtrak and other local, state, federal, and railroad law enforcement departments for "Operation Clear Track" to raise awareness and enforce railroad grade crossing and trespassing laws in 48 states across the U.S.

“Operation Clear Track” will be the largest single law enforcement railroad safety operation ever attempted in the U.S. During “Operation Clear Track,” Newark Police officers will be stationed at targeted railroad grade crossing locations to hand out railroad safety cards to motorists and pedestrians, and issue warnings and citations to violators. The goal of Rail Safety Week is to reduce pedestrian and driver injuries and fatalities around railroad tracks through increased public awareness.

The “Operation Clear Track” Police enforcement/education event is held at railroad grade crossings that have a high number of vehicle and/or trespasser incidents. In the City of Newark, they will be held at the West Main Street/New London Road crossing and the North College Avenue/East Cleveland Avenue crossing from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Federal statistics show that about every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train. “Operation Clear Track” is an effort by Operation Lifesaver, Amtrak, rail safety partner organizations, and local law enforcement agencies to raise awareness of the need for caution near train tracks.