The City of Reno is moving forward with a potential law to create a “safety zone” around the Union Pacific railroad tracks that run along Fourth Street.
Councilmembers voted unanimously Wednesday to have staff start drafting an ordinance that would prohibit encroachment on city-owned properties within 100 feet of the tracks. Based on the council’s discussion, the law would make it easier for Reno police to trespass anyone camping or littering on city-owned land near the tracks.
Travis Truhill, the city’s maintenance and operations director, said that Reno has important infrastructure along the tracks, including storm drains, signage, and fencing. He added that his team frequently removes litter from the tracks. Recently, they had to remove an engine block that had been left on the tracks and could have caused a derailment.
“This ordinance would give us the room to be able to operate safely,” he told council members.
Councilmembers were wholly supportive.
"I am afraid that if we don't start to really look at ways that we can protect people around that whole area - it is very very dangerous,” said Mayor Hillary Schieve.
The city did not mention a timeline for the new ordinance to go back before the council for approval.
