Utah Rail Safety Week brings awareness to the importance of railway safety

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Utah Transit Authority and Utah Transportation have partnered together for Utah Rail Safety Week 2025— bringing awareness to the importance of railway safety.

Gavin Gustafson, Sr. Public Information Officer, announced that Utah Rail Safety Week will take place from September 15 to September 20. This year’s theme serves as a powerful reminder: Every Sign Tells a Story. Rail safety signs save lives. 

“Utah Rail Safety Week brings much-needed awareness to the traveling public about railroad crossing safety and serves a reminder to obey all signs and warning devices at a railroad crossing.” said Vern Keeslar, executive director of Utah Operation Lifesaver. “Motorists, bicyclists and micromobility users all need to be aware that we must yield the right of way to the trains.” 

Rail safety week activities

Gustafson said that the week will have various activities designed to raise awareness.

Sept. 16 is “Operation Clear the Track Tuesday”. UTA Police Department and Utah Highway Patrol will be out from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. enforcing safety to drivers and pedestrians at Midvale Fort Union Station, Central Pointe Station, Ballpark Station and Provo Central Station.  
 
Sept. 17 is “Welcome Wednesday”. Utah Operation Lifesaver will be at the Provo City School District Transportation department at 10 a.m. for a school bus media ride-along across railroad tracks.
 
Sept. 18 is “Transit Thursday”. UTA will host an interactive exhibit at Salt Lake Central Station from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The event will feature rail safety signs, K-9 demonstrations, and hands-on learning opportunities for the public.  
 
Sept. 19 is “Football Friday”. Utah Operation Lifesaver will be distributing educational materials at high school football games to educate youth about railway safety. The high schools include:

• Fremont High School in Plain City
• Viewmont High School in Bountiful
• West High School in Salt Lake City
• Jordan High School in Sandy
• Skyridge High School in Lehi

Sept. 20 is “All Aboard Saturday”. People can celebrate Rail Safety Week with a free morning of train rides with the Utah Live Steamers. On the train, the importance of rail safety will be highlighted. This event will take place at Shay Park from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

More information on Rail Safety Week can be found on the UTA website.