South Coast Rail: Train tracks aren't for ATVs or dirt bikes. Here's how to stay safe.

Dan Medeiros, The Herald News
Updated ·3 min read
1

As warmer weather is driving people to seek adventure outdoors, South Coast Rail Director of Community Engagement Jean Fox is reminding people that some places they may have ventured for years are now off-limits: railroad rights of way.

ATV riders in particular should stay away from train tracks — a rider whose four-wheeler breaks down near or on railroad tracks will have an extremely bad time.

Even though residents may be long used to walking on lightly used railroad lines as a shortcut to get places or even as a hiking trail to go exploring, that’s now illegal, and it’s for safety reasons.

“It is very dangerous and illegal to trespass onto the railroad ROW; it is never safe to be near or around railroad tracks," stated Fox. "While the area around railroad tracks may seem like a conveniently cleared area for outdoor activities, being on the ROW can lead to dangerous and deadly situations.”

Running the numbers: Would South Coast Rail be the cheapest way to commute to Boston?

Train tracks stretch south along a railroad right of way in Fall River. With the South Coast Rail project nearing completion, officials said it's important for people to keep off the right of way.
Train tracks stretch south along a railroad right of way in Fall River. With the South Coast Rail project nearing completion, officials said it's important for people to keep off the right of way.

Where is the railroad right of way?

The last passenger trains rolled through the SouthCoast in 1959. Since then, only a few rail lines have seen use, and only for freight trains, which travel at low speeds of up to 25 mph. MBTA commuter rail is coming to Fall River and Freetown later this year, using trains that move up to 80 mph.

Even before trains start carrying passengers north to Boston this fall, the MBTA will be running test trains starting in late spring through this summer.

The MBTA’s right of way runs north through the Mechanicsville neighborhood, between President Avenue and Brightman Street, near the North Burial Ground; it continues alongside River Street near the Captain O’Connell boat yard, through the Fall River Country Club and past several apartment complexes in the North End near Freetown.

“Please remember to stay off the tracks, stay aware, and stay safe,” Fox stated.

Delivering on promises: South Coast Rail brings hope for relief for commuters and greater job options. Can it work?

A train rolls into the newly completed Freetown Station stop of the South Coast Rail during the ribbon cutting Monday, Dec. 5.
A train rolls into the newly completed Freetown Station stop of the South Coast Rail during the ribbon cutting Monday, Dec. 5.

Why should you stay off the tracks?

Trains rolling at full speed can’t brake immediately. It can take well over a mile for a train to stop moving, and in the meantime it will crash through anything or anyone in its path.

Riding dirt bikes or ATVs on the railroad right of way is illegal, and a bad idea too. Four-wheelers can weigh hundreds of pounds; if a machine breaks down near or on the tracks, it can be difficult to impossible to pull it away in time.

In this still from an Instagram video, a rider does stunts along North Walker Street in Taunton.
In this still from an Instagram video, a rider does stunts along North Walker Street in Taunton.

Can you ride an ATV or dirt bike anywhere else in Fall River?

The Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve has designated paths where dirt bikes are allowed, mainly within Freetown’s borders — consult a Bioreserve map for more details. ATVs are not allowed on these paths, as they’re single-track paths.

When the trains get rolling: South Coast Rail's Fall River station is 90% complete — here's when trains hit the tracks

What work is being done on the South Coast Rail and when will it be complete?

The two MBTA platforms and layover station in Greater Fall River — Fall River Depot on Davol Street, the Weavers Cove Layover on North Main Street and Freetown station on South Main Street — are substantially done. The MBTA is putting on the finishing touches and installing and testing signal systems.

Culvert work is ongoing on Collins Street, between North Main and River streets. The MBTA is also installing fencing along the right of way.

The South Coast Rail project, which will connect Fall River to the Middleboro/Lakeville commuter rail line and on to Boston, is due to be complete and open to riders by late 2023.

Dan Medeiros can be reached at dmedeiros@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News today.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: South Coast Rail: No ATVs, dirt bikes on MBTA railroad right of way