The Utah Transit Authority, Utah Operation Lifesaver, the Utah Department of Transportation, Utah Highway Patrol, and Utah Railway have joined forces for Utah Rail Safety Week 2026. This annual campaign aims to enhance public safety around railroad crossings and educate the public on the dangers of unsafe behavior near tracks.
According to a notice from the Utah Transit Authority, the 2026 campaign is centered on the message, Every Sign Tells a Story. The initiative highlights that rail safety signs serve as lifesavers for those walking, biking, or driving near tracks.
Scheduled activities for the week include a family-friendly event with the Utah Live Steamers at Shay Park in Saratoga Springs on Saturday, Sept. 19. On Monday, Sept. 21, the campaign will focus on safe driving education via social media.
On Tuesday, Sept. 22, partners will participate in Operation Clear Track, a nationwide effort to prevent unsafe behavior near tracks. Outreach and enforcement activities for this operation are planned for locations including 500 West in Provo, Ballpark Station in Salt Lake City, Center Street in North Salt Lake, Central Pointe Station in South Salt Lake, and Freedom Boulevard in Provo.
The campaign continues with a focus on trespass prevention on Wednesday, Sept. 23, to inform the public that railroad tracks and rights-of-way are not safe for walking or gathering. On Thursday, Sept. 24, UTA will host Transit Thursday at Salt Lake Central Station, featuring interactive ways to learn about rail safety.
On Friday, Sept. 25, Utah Operation Lifesaver will share safety information with students and families at high school football games. Educational materials will be distributed at Bountiful High School, Stansbury High School, Woods Cross High School, Juab High School, and Provo High School.
Travis King, director of safety and security at UTA, stated that the purpose of the week is to remind the public that following posted signs and signals can save lives. Vern Keeslar, executive director of Utah Operation Lifesaver, added that staying alert and obeying crossing signs can prevent tragedies. Brad Palmer, rail division director at the Utah Department of Transportation, noted that keeping communities safe around rail crossings is a shared responsibility.
