Since I first got my driver’s license a few decades ago, new modes of transportation have appeared on our roads. Electric vehicles, e-bikes, and autonomous cars are signs of the times, and I am not even sure what to think about flying taxis that I am reading about.

Through all that change, one mode of transportation has remained constant and only horses can claim to have been around longer–trains.

Gettysburg is all abuzz, rightfully so, about Patriot Rail Corp’s Gettysburg and Northern Railroad, a passenger excursion train that will take riders on a 60-minute journey through beautiful Adams County. Patriot Rail is a welcome addition to our tourist industry, and all of the excitement surrounding it got me thinking about how trains have supported Adams County for hundreds of years.

I reached out to my friend Arthur Feygelson, manager of industrial development for CSX Transportation, to learn more. About 40 miles of CSX tracks are right here in Adams County.

CSX trains deliver a lot of ag commodities such as feed, grain and fertilizer to Adams County businesses. Arthur shared that every railcar moving goods takes four tractor-trailers off of our roads. Additionally, rail supports employment in Adams County because the efficient movement of goods helps the businesses maximize their output. 

Arthur shared that rail is also a very safe mode of transportation. Trains reducing the number of tractor trailers help make highways safer. 

Some CSX trains transport chemicals that are an essential part of our daily lives. These chemicals can be dangerous, but highly-trained professionals devote their careers to reducing risk. CSX has hazmat managers and trained contractors deployed across the company’s network to facilitate strong relationships with first responders and other community leaders, and to reduce response time in the event of an incident. The rail industry has its own hazardous materials and police departments but also trains our local first responders on how to manage incidents that may occur.

I learned a lot while talking with Arthur, but my favorite part of our conversation was when I discovered how I can be a better citizen. Arthur told me never to race a train, which I knew but apparently some people need to be reminded about. Also, if traffic is backed up near a crossing, you should never stop on the tracks. 

Do you know about the little blue plaque near every railroad crossing? This plaque can help you save a life. If you ever see an obstruction on a train track such as a downed tree or disabled vehicle, call the number on the plaque immediately. The call center is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The dispatcher will ask you for the identification number on the plaque and alert the railroad of the problem. This allows railroad companies to attempt stop or reroute trains until the obstruction is clear. 

Maintaining a strong economy in Adams County requires a lot of partners and we appreciate how the railroad industry supports our local businesses.

Robin Fitzpatrick is president of the Adams Economic Alliance, with a mission of facilitating the future of Adams County through economic opportunities, productive partnerships and community-focused strategies. The alliance’s vision is to cast the vision and lead the implementation of diverse and responsible economic growth to improve everyone’s quality of life in Adams County. For more information, see adamsalliance.org; contact us at 717-334-0042.