The position of watchman was important for railroad safety at grade crossings and these use of watchmen was regulated by the Public Utility Commission. In order to discontinue a watchman at a grade crossing in a community, the railroad had to obtain permission, as in this case, reported in the West Schuylkill Herald, March 22, 1940. But the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad still was responsible for safety when there were no watchmen at specific crossings. At Mill Street in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, the Commission outlined what the Reading Railroad had to do.
DISCONTINUE RAILROAD WATCHMAN, PINE GROVE
The Reading railroad was authorized by the Public Utility Commission to discontinue watchmen at the Mill Street grade crossing, Pine Grove.
The commission ordered that all trains and engines be brought to a full stop before proceeding at the crossing, as an additional protection, and that trainmen flag traffic.
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News article from Newspapers.com.
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