The first time I saw this sign when I was driving in the area (under I-70 at York), I had to stop and read it twice. I have driven this area since I learned to drive and this was a new thing. Unoccupied Locomotives! This particular sign is near some nearby houses and easier to safely photograph. I am including some of the remote-controlled locomotives for your viewing pleasure!
"DENVER -- Technology is supposed to make our lives better, but critics claim a new way of moving trains through the Denver railyards is putting lives at risk and the public in danger.
Remote control is being used to move train cars, and sometimes hazardous waste, around the yards.
The trains are rolling through Denver railyards.
But there's something different about these trains: there's nobody on board.
Burlington Northern and Union Pacific Railroads have begun using remote control technology to move trains and freight around Denver railyards.
They use a small radio control box to send the trains forwards or backwards -- up to a mile-and-a-half down the tracks.
For the railroads, it reduces the number of workers needed and cuts costs. But one railroad union contends the savings for the railroads puts the public at risk.
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Union representative Mike Young said he is critical of the safety of remote control operations.
"We've experienced 200 accidents with remote control equipment," Young said. "There has been one fatality, four to five amputations over 200 accidents due to unprotected movement with this equipment."
News 4's investigation found at least two accidents in Denver railyards involving remote control technology.
On July 23, a Burlington Northern train, operated by remote control, derailed in Denver. Empty tank cars that carry liquefied gas went off the tracks.
Another remote control accident in Denver led to a lawsuit.
Last November, a remote controlled engine ran into another engine during the night, injuring one Burlington Northern worker.
Last year in Baton Rouge, La., a remote controlled train derailed, shutting down local highways for hours.
Earlier this year, a male train employee was killed in Syracuse, N.Y., when he was hit by a remote controlled locomotive."
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