A little after noon on Wednesday, Talkeetna residents heard a longer-than-usual train horn. It was a result of the crew stopping the train after hitting an ATV on the bridge over the Talkeetna River. The ATV’s driver had bailed off the vehicle just before the incident and the ATV was knocked clear of the tracks.
Alaska Railroad Director of External Affairs Meghan Clemens says the train crew reported no injuries, but there was minor damage to the train at the point of impact. The ATV driver left the scene prior to the Railroad Police and Security arriving about one hour later. The train was able to safely continue service.
Clemens says that since completing the replacement of the Trainman’s Walk, residents have complained that it is too narrow for access. It was meant to duplicate the previous 47-inch walkway along the Talkeetna River Bridge. Railroad staff initiated a change order to widen the walkway just one day prior to the incident. Clemens says they anticipate a widened walkway to be completed this June.
Clemens says it’s never safe to trespass on the tracks because the trains may run at all hours year-round. She says she’s thankful the incident didn’t result in a worst-case scenario of serious injury or death.
The ATV driver is still unknown at this time and Railroad Police and Security are investigating the incident.
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