Railroad officials ask drivers to be alert
By Tracy Ouellette
SLN Staff
Officials with the East Troy Electric Railroad are asking the public to be prepared to stop for the trains in East Troy and Mukwonago and to keep a watch out for the trollies when traveling in those communities.
With the railroad’s season in full swing, there have already been a couple of “close calls” with vehicles almost getting hit. Railroad museum President Ryan Jonas, who is one of the train engineers, said there were several instances opening weekend, April 30 and May 1, where drivers didn’t yield to the trains in Mukwonago where the tracks cross Highway ES.
Jonas said he was concerned because the season had just started and it was already a problem.
“We can’t just stop the train,” he said.
Jonas added that the railroad is also running more than 70 charter trains this season, with hours that differ from the weekend schedule. He said some of these excursion trains will be running mid-day during the middle of the week and other times that residents familiar with the railroad’s schedule wouldn’t be expecting.
The railroad crossing on Highway ES in Mukwonago is there because of the stops into and out of Indianhead Park and those stops will be increasing.
“Six trains each Saturday and Sunday, and three trains each Friday starting on June 10, will be crossing ES,” railroad volunteer Steve Thomas stated in an email.
“People leaving or entering the village (Mukwonago) on ES should take extra precautions,” Thomas continued. “We suggest driving a bit slower and keeping eyes and ears open to make sure they have time to stop if they see or hear a train approaching.”
The cross bucks at the Highway ES railroad crossing in Mukwonago do not flash or ring a bell. However, trolley engineers in the railroad cars and trolleys do ring a bell and sound the horns when approaching and entering the crossing.
“Even though our trains do not travel very fast, they cannot stop as fast as an automobile. A collision with a train is not something anyone would ever want to experience,” Thomas said.
Train schedule
On Saturdays and Sundays, May through October trains depart from East Troy at 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Trains depart from Indianhead Park at 10:40 a.m., 11:40 a.m., 12:40 p.m., 1:40 p.m. and 2:40 p.m.
All trains stop at the Elegant Farmer store and deli. Trains depart the Elegant Farmer for East Troy at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Special events
The railroad also has several special events planned this year. They include:
Railfan Day on June 25. Each train will run with a different set of railroad cars. As always, tickets are good all day, so passengers can ride as many trains as they want.
Chicago Day on July 16. South Shore cars will be featured in a joint event with the National Park Service, including interpretive staff and rangers. This year is the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.
Milwaukee Day on Sept. 24. The railroad will feature Milwaukee and Sheboygan street cars with various TMER&L equipment on display.
Christmas Trains from Nov. 26 to Dec. 18. Round trips to Santa’s Workshop at the Elegant Farmer.
For more information, visit www.easttroyrr.org or call (262) 642-3263.
