Train ‘Crash’ Sounds from Railroad Tracks Alarm Residents

The loud ‘crash’ sounds coming from the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks during the past week are no cause for alarm, officials said Monday. 

During the past week, several residents have reached out to Lakewood Patch inquiring about loud noises coming from the trains on the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks between 8 and 9 p.m. each night last week.

The trains are “crawling along and coming to frequent stops, creating loud and unsettling bangs,” said one resident.

“They would go so slow, then stop and it would sound like a accident but there was not (an) accident,” said another resident. “What is going on here? It's crazy (and) scary.”

Norfolk Southern spokesman David Pidgeon said that the sounds are the result of trains putting the brakes on. 

“And when they do, the cars behind the locomotives condense, which can make a series of booming sounds as each one comes to a stop,” he said, adding that the trains are likely “slowing for other trains.”

Although several residents reached out to Lakewood Patch, Lakewood Police Chief Timothy Malley said no reports were filed.

“You’re in a busy rail corridor,” said Pidgeon. “Safety is our top priority.”