Clayton police to hold rail‑safety blitz after three summer incidents; public education planned
Summary
Police Chief Greg Tartt announced the town’s Operation Lifesaver Rail Safety Week proclamation and an educational “clear track” blitz at three crossings, scheduled for 9 a.m.–11 a.m. the next day, with an 8:30 a.m. briefing and contingencies for weather.
Police Chief Greg Tartt briefed the council after the town proclaimed Operation Lifesaver Rail Safety Week, describing three separate rail incidents this summer and announcing an upcoming public‑education effort. Tartt said the department will conduct an “Operation Clear Track crossing blitz” the next day from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., weather permitting, at three crossings in town and will hand out educational materials to motorists and pedestrians.
Tartt told council he could not disclose details of the incidents because of pending litigation: “I cannot get into specifics about the incidents due to some pending litigation that I'm dealing with on 1 of them.” He said he had coordinated with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Amtrak and North Carolina Railroad and invited council to an 8:30 a.m. briefing in his office to review the outreach plan.
The blitz locations named in the meeting were the Central Avenue/Main Street crossing, the North Church Street crossing between First and Front Streets, and the North O’Neil/First Street crossing. Tartt said the event would be rescheduled for significant rain to maximize public contact. Council members commended the department for proactive outreach and expressed interest in making education an annual event.
Ending: The police department plans to proceed with the educational crossing blitz as described and to brief council and the public as needed on dates and weather‑related changes.
