The Belt’s Maintenance of Way (MofW) and Signal departments continue to upgrade the east receiving yard’s switches, which allows Transportation team members to align them remotely or with the push of a button. The hydraulic upgrades reduce the potential risk associated with manual operations while saving time on one of the busiest segments of the Belt’s network.

“The main benefit is yarding trains faster,” Signal Foreman Mike Golich said.

The east end interlocking is particularly congested, with nine yard tracks feeding into two mainlines, making efficiency crucial.

The project, which began in the fall of 2024, is about 50% complete. Golich and Assistant Signal Foreman Kyle Jane have balanced upgrades with other jobs along the Belt.

“It’s labor-intensive work,” Jane said, noting challenges such as frozen ground and flooding.

Manager of Signal Jorge Guerrero describes Golich and Jane as go-getters, adding, “I can always rely on them to get work done no matter the obstacle.”

While MofW employees are responsible for changing out the switch panels, Golich, Jane and Signalman Joseph Gurgone are replacing the switches and trenching in cables for each unit. Setting up track protection to keep traffic moving has been a time-consuming but vital step.

Daily tasks for Golich are diverse as he manages projects, measures for cable and operates machinery. Jane, who started as an assistant signalman with the Belt in 2019, works alongside Golich while gaining experience from on-the-job training.

“We make sure we’re on the same page,” Golich said, crediting thorough job briefings for keeping the crew aligned and reducing potential risks.

West approach crossing reopens

A grade crossing on the Belt’s west approach tracks, which was closed for more than a year, reopened in January following a one-week project by Golich, Gurgone and Jane. The work included demolition and installing new gate arm mechanisms, along with new cables and a signal cabinet.

The updated crossing is expected to enhance vehicular traffic flow.