Northbound at the Deep River line
With the sign telling motorists they're at the Deep River line literally touching my right shoulder, I photograph NPE-1, the first "North Pole Express" departure of the day, as she passes the Dump Road crossing, heading into the town of Deep River, CT. On the point today is Engine #97, the Valley Railroad's longest-serving steam locomotive. The train will shortly be arriving at Deep River Landing, which is elaborately decorated as the North Pole Village for these Christmas excursions.
This location is one where the engine crews exercise particular vigilance, as motorists departing some of the recycling and waste-disposal facilities to the left side of the frame sometimes stop on the railroad tracks, while waiting for the traffic lights, and yes, there has been at least one collision here in the past. While there are no gates currently installed here, there is an interconnection between the crossing signals and the traffic lights, such that all of the traffic lights go red as the train approaches and passes the crossing. This is definitely a place where motorists need to read and heed all of the signs. Making a right turn on red while northbound on Route 154 here could be the last mistake they ever make.
Northbound at the Deep River line
With the sign telling motorists they're at the Deep River line literally touching my right shoulder, I photograph NPE-1, the first "North Pole Express" departure of the day, as she passes the Dump Road crossing, heading into the town of Deep River, CT. On the point today is Engine #97, the Valley Railroad's longest-serving steam locomotive. The train will shortly be arriving at Deep River Landing, which is elaborately decorated as the North Pole Village for these Christmas excursions.
This location is one where the engine crews exercise particular vigilance, as motorists departing some of the recycling and waste-disposal facilities to the left side of the frame sometimes stop on the railroad tracks, while waiting for the traffic lights, and yes, there has been at least one collision here in the past. While there are no gates currently installed here, there is an interconnection between the crossing signals and the traffic lights, such that all of the traffic lights go red as the train approaches and passes the crossing. This is definitely a place where motorists need to read and heed all of the signs. Making a right turn on red while northbound on Route 154 here could be the last mistake they ever make.