Our Reader asked us to publicize the issue Sebastian Solski, who wrote:

I would like to raise an issue that is troublesome not only for me, but for many residents and employees of the economic zone in Bolesławiec. The problem concerns the railway crossing located near Polna Street.

The problem is that employees (going to or returning from work) who walk or drive along Polna Street toward Modłowa Street (where the Economic Zone in Bolesławiec is located) very often have to wait at the railway crossing for the barrier to open. It often happens that the crossing is closed, while the train does not pass until a considerable time later (the waiting time is 15–20 minutes or more).

Today [tj. 20 sierpnia – przyp „ii”], on my way back from work, I waited with quite a large number of people for the crossing to open for about 20 minutes. Then a very slow-moving train passed, followed by a locomotive, and only afterward was the crossing opened. People complained a great deal; some decided to risk their lives or a hefty fine and crossed while the barrier was closed.

Does anyone monitor this at all, or does anyone control the barrier? Why is the waiting time so long?

Another question for PKP: could some kind of crossing, for example over the tracks, be built so that people on foot would not have to wait and get soaked when it rains? People driving cars will manage [...].

We contacted Mirosław Siemieniec from the press office of PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A. about the matter. “The category ‘A’ railway crossing on Polna Street, within Bolesławiec station, is operated remotely by the dispatcher using CCTV, which provides a view of the situation at the site,” Siemieniec stated. “The closure time depends on trains traveling from the direction of Tomaszów Bolesławiecki and journeys from the direction of Zebrzydowa. When trains cross one another (traveling from both directions), the closure times of the barriers may be added together. Shunting movements, depending on the station’s needs and technical capabilities, also affect the closure time. In such a situation, a driver may feel that the decision to close the barriers was unjustified.”

“We try to minimize the time the crossing is closed, but safety considerations determine this, and they are important for both rail and road traffic,” the PKP PLK spokesperson noted. He added: “We are not planning to build an underpass or overpass at the crossing. If such proposals are put forward and implemented by the surrounding community, we will cooperate.”

Crossing when the barrier is down or is being lowered carries a PLN 100 fine.

(information: Reader/ii)