JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Aug. 17, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With the approach of the total solar eclipse on Monday, August 21, CSX (Nasdaq:CSX) has ramped up efforts to promote safety on and near railroad tracks as residents and visitors gather in communities throughout CSX’s network to observe the once-in-a-lifetime event. The eclipse’s path of totality is 70 miles wide, crossing CSX operations in six states including Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

CSX has developed informational materials that highlight the importance of staying safe around railroad tracks and has reached out to communities and local officials to promote safety awareness for those seeking the best view of this year’s eclipse.  Print-ready versions of the rail-safety materials can be found at www.csx.com/eclipse.

“Visitors to towns and cities within the path of the eclipse may be unfamiliar with the presence of railroads in those areas,” said CSX vice president for public safety, health and environment Bryan Rhode. “The materials we’re offering are designed to promote awareness around railroad tracks, so that the experience for those observing the eclipse is both safe and memorable.”

CSX recommends all pedestrians, including eclipse-watchers, stay at least 50 feet away from railroad tracks at all times to ensure their safety. Railroad tracks are an unforgiving environment for pedestrians at any time, and walking or standing on tracks is never safe because trains can come from either direction at any time with little notice. The only safe place to cross railroad tracks is at designated, marked crossings.

More information about safety around railroads can be found at www.csx.com.

About CSX
CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company.  It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products.  For over 190 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development.  Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides.  It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX).

Contact: 
Robert Doolittle, Corporate Communications
202-626-4939

Primary Logo