El maquinista señaló una solución peligrosa en la reconstrucción de la estación de ferrocarril de Long Village: "Nuestros virtuosos ingenieros de la construcción ... "

A recent inspection of the newly reconstructed railway station in Dugom Selo has revealed a potential safety hazard related to the installation of tactile paving designed to assist visually impaired passengers. The issue was highlighted by Zoran Mršić, a locomotive driver with Hrvatske Željeznice (Croatian Railways), who pointed out a problematic design flaw in the new platform's accessibility features during a public Facebook post. The reconstruction of the Dugom Selo station is part of a broader modernization project undertaken by Croatian Railways aimed at upgrading the rail line connecting Zagreb to Križevci. According to local authorities, all work on the station is scheduled to be completed by the end of August, with the final phase currently underway. The upgrades include fully renovated platforms, modern railway infrastructure, advanced signaling systems, improved access for individuals with reduced mobility through elevators and ramps, and significantly increased capacity for both passenger and freight traffic. Mršić’s concerns focus specifically on the placement of tactile paving near the edge of the platform. He described how the last tactile tile, located behind a support column visible in a photo he posted online, functions as a warning area. However, this placement appears to serve no practical purpose unless a person physically walks through the column, which could potentially lead them off the platform. In his Facebook post, Mršić explained that tactile paths consist of two types of relief patterns: guidance lines (grooved lines) that connect key points and direct individuals through space, and warning areas (raised dots) that indicate obstacles, hazards (such as the start or end of steps, the edge of a platform), or locations requiring a change in direction. He sarcastically remarked, “If someone close to him is blind, I don’t think they would make a mistake, but this way, whoever is guiding them might.” His comment underscores the concern that the current layout could mislead visually impaired users, leading them away from the intended path and possibly toward the edge of the platform. The station’s design, while incorporating modern accessibility standards, seems to have overlooked critical aspects of user experience for visually impaired individuals. The tactile paving, meant to guide and warn, instead creates confusion due to its placement relative to physical structures such as support columns. Croatian Railways were contacted regarding the disputed solution for the new platform and the installed tactile tiles. Their response will be published once received, providing further insight into their stance on the matter and any corrective actions they plan to take. The situation highlights the importance of adhering strictly to accessibility guidelines during infrastructure projects. While the overall upgrade aims to enhance functionality and safety, specific elements must be scrutinized to ensure they meet the needs of all users, including those with disabilities. The ongoing review of the station’s design and the pending response from Croatian Railways will determine whether necessary adjustments will be made to address these concerns. Until then, the issue remains under scrutiny, emphasizing the need for thorough evaluation of all components in large-scale infrastructure developments.