Alaska Railroad asks photographers to follow safety guidelines

MAT-SU - With snow accumulating in all portions of the Railbelt, Alaska Railroad Corp.'s snow-cleared tracks and right of way become prime scenic and train photography locations. The railroad urges photographers to resist the temptation to take photographs of trains and Alaska's beautiful scenery from railroad property.

In most areas, railroad right of way extends 100 feet on either side of the track. Unless they are on the edge of a public road or trail, people should not be inside this safety zone.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration, 442 people died and 388 injured while trespassing on railroad property throughout the United States in 2010. In addition to the dangers of being near the track, it is also unlawful; trespassers face the possibility of up to 90 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. Alaska Railroad Corp. provides year-round passenger train service for a number of communities across Alaska. With summer and winter service, passenger trains run from Seward to Fairbanks. More information can be found at AlaskaRailroad.com.