SPRING VALLEY — New Jersey Transit should inspect and fix a fence, and step up inspections along its rail tracks in the village, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said today.

The tracks along Lawrence Street have a deadly history. Used a shortcut by some residents, 13 people have died there since 1985.

In 2002, Schumer, D-N.Y., successfully pressured NJ Transit to build fences along the single track, and add warning signage.

Last Thursday, Journal News columnist Bob Baird reported in his column that there are still several holes under the $410,000 fence, and one near Valley Drive that is large enough for a person to easily fit through.

In response, Schumer today wrote to NJ Transit executive director Richard Sarles calling on the transit agency to quickly make the repairs, schedule regular inspections of the fence and replace multi-lingual signs along the tracks, and consider adding pictures of graphics to make them easier to understand. Many people in the area don’t speak English and use the tracks as a shortcut.

Here’s the full copy of Schumer’s letter:

Dear Mr. Sarles:

I write to express concern with New Jersey Transit’s (NJ Transit) maintenance of the fencing along the Clarkstown-Spring Valley rail crossing in Rockland County, NY. At my request, NJ Transit constructed this fencing, along with multi-lingual warning signs, in 2002 to prevent residents from cutting across the tracks to reach Route 59.  I am concerned with the fence’s state-of-repair, and I ask that NJ Transit repair holes along the fence and schedule regular maintenance and inspection of the structure. Additionally, I urge you to replace missing signs along the route, and ensure that those signs include graphics so that all can understand the danger.

Since 1985, thirteen people have tragically died while cutting through the Clarkstown-Spring Valley rail crossing.  While I am grateful that NJ Transit heeded my request in 2002 to construct a fence to act as a barrier to the tracks, along with multi-lingual warnings to caution residents, I am troubled by reports that the fence has succumbed to holes through which people are passing.  Many of the people who cross over the tracks are non-English speakers who rely on public transportation along Route 59.

I ask that NJ Transit ensure that the fence is in a state-of-good-repair that will prevent residents from taking this dangerous shortcut.  I believe this would be best-accomplished by immediately repairing any holes that are in the fence, while also scheduling routine inspections and maintenance to prevent future gaps from forming.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.  I know that you share my commitment to protecting the safety of every Rockland County resident.  If you have any questions or need further information please contact my Hudson Valley office at 914-734-1532.