The presence of the Union Pacific’s Big Boy steam locomotive in the region between July 8-11 is generating a carload of warnings from authorities — like a mother admonishing a little boy whom she knows is about to be tempted to misbehave.

The latest such warnings came in a news release Monday from local PennDOT officials, urging motorists not to park on the shoulders of roads from which the Big Boy will be visible, including the I-99 interchange area in Tyrone and Route 22 on the way up the mountain in Blair County; not to keep pace alongside the Big Boy on highways that run parallel to the tracks; not to race from one viewing vantage point to another; not to try to beat the Big Boy train at grade crossings; and not to take a photo or video of the train while driving.

Stopping on the shoulders of highways to watch the train or parking there to walk to a viewing area “creates the potential for traffic disruption, vehicle-pedestrian interaction and distracted driving accidents,” the news release states.

Pacing the train “causes traffic disruption and unnecessary delays,” the news release states.

“(And) attempting to beat or outmaneuver trains at crossings (can) cause severe, often fatal, accidents, due to impatience, misjudging speed or panic,” the news release states.

As of June 5, convictions for using a hand-held device while driving — for example to text, film or photograph — can lead to a $50 fine, imposition of court costs and other fees, based on Paul Miller’s Law, according to the news release.

Depending on the outcome, such violations can also result in charges of homicide by vehicle or aggravated assault by vehicle, the news release states.

In connection with a viewing event at the Horseshoe Curve from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, July 11, authorities will close off Veterans Memorial Highway — which provides access to the Curve — to all but ticketholders to the viewing, which is sold out, according to the news release and Union Pacific’s Big Boy schedule.

Other roads may be closed as well around that time, according to the news release.

There will also be a viewing from 5:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. on the afternoon of July 8 at the Railroaders Memorial Museum; and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

July 9-10 at in an area that is being prepared along the mainline tracks behind the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Center, with no parking available nearby, but with free buses to shuttle attendees to the viewing site from Peoples Natural Gas Field.

Attendees at all Big Boy events should arrive early at designated parking areas, according to the news release.

PennDOT message boards will reiterate many of the warnings and restrictions, according to the news release.

PennDOT has been working with other local authorities, including emergency management agencies, to plan for the Big Boy’s sojourn here, according to the news release.

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.