Driver Gets Citation, $50 Fine, After Car vs. Train Accident in West Medford

A man who drove his car around lowered gates at the High Street rail crossing and was hit by a train was issued a citation by transit police Thursday, according to the MBTA.

Arthur Brennan, 69, of North Conway, N.H. was cited for failure to stop for a railroad crossing, MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo said in an email. The offense carries a $50 fine. Brennan suffered minor injuries in the accident.

Brennan drove his Buick LeSabre around the lowered gates at the crossing and was struck by an Amtrak Downeaster train about 8 a.m. Thursday, according to transit police. The impact pushed the car into the crossing attendant's shed, pushing the structure off its foundation, police said.

It took less than 90 minutes to have the accident cleared, but it caused significant delays to the morning commute. Several commuter rail trains had to be canceled Thursday morning and some riders were re-routed by bus from West Medford. No rail passengers were hurt in the accident, Pesaturo said.

The Federal Railroad Administration has previously expressed concern over safety at the intersection. Center line barriers were installed on each side of the crossing last year in order to reinstate a train horn ban in the area. The barriers warn drivers of the intersection and prevent those waiting in line from driving into the other lane up to the rail crossing. In this case, according to police, Brennan was the first car waiting at the crossing.

Brennan's car was registered in New Hampshire, but he apparently has a home in Medford, Pesaturo said.

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