With New Amtrak Trains Running, Lakewood Stresses Caution

LAKEWOOD, WA — On Thursday, an Amtrak train took the Point Defiance Bypass for the first time in four years. The 14.5-mile along I-5 between the Tacoma Dome Station, Lakewood, JBLM, DuPont and Nisqually— And it's going to be getting a lot busier now that Amtrak is back.

That means extra trains on the rails and a need for extra caution near railroad crossings, the City of Lakewood says.

"More trains will now pass through Lakewood, many at high speed," the City of Lakewood tweeted Friday. "Safety at crossings is essential. Drivers and pedestrians should respect crossing alarms and keep clear of tracks."

Here are seven tips from the United States Department of Transportation for safely navigating freight and commuter train crossings:

1. Stop, look both ways and listen. Remember that trains always have the right of way, and while you can stop, they often can't.
2. Make sure you have room to cross the tracks. Once you enter the crossing, don't stop.
3. Stop 15 feet away from flashing red lights or lowered gates.
4. Never ever try to speed past a lowering gate.
5. Before you start to cross, wait for the gates to fully open and for all lights to stop flashing.
6. Never assume there is only one train— there can be multiple coming from different directions.
7. If your car stalls on a rail track, evacuate immediately, even if you don't see a train coming. Run from your car as far as possible before calling the number on the blue Emergency Notification System sign or dialing 911.

Related: Train Travels Point Defiance Bypass 4 Years After Derailment