DART to remove cross walk that poses safety hazards

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will be removing a center crosswalk at a Dallas rail station that the agency says will result in improved safety of its riders.

DART's rail stations are equipped with designated crosswalks at either end of the platform. Some stations also have center crosswalks. While using the center crosswalk to reach the other side of the platform may require fewer steps, using the crosswalk at either end of the station provides greater visibility for riders and operators. That is why DART has made the decision to remove the center crosswalk at Baylor University Medical Center Station.

Trains cannot stop on a dime or swerve to avoid people who have inadvertently crossed in their path. That means DART riders must stay alert, never try to beat a train and only cross at designated crosswalks.

Construction to remove the center crosswalk will begin Friday, Nov. 24 and is expected to be completed by Monday, Nov. 27. Removal of the center crosswalk will help reduce the risk of distracted riders crossing unsafely.

Construction will not interrupt rail service. Riders should watch out for work crews during this short construction period. And always remember to stop, look and listen for trains.