Title: Long train not running - no limit on how long train can block crossing - al.com
Headings: Long train not running - no limit on how long train can block crossing
Long train not running - no limit on how long train can block crossing
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Content: A Federal Railroad Administration
fact sheet
said blocked crossings are increasing at the estimated 228,000 at grade street crossings in the country because more trains are being put on fewer main lines. The FRA, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, says that blocked crossings can impede emergency vehicles, slow the flow of commerce and spur motorists to violate traffic laws. The FRA says it doesn’t regulate the length of time a train can block a crossing because it could cause the railroad to violate other federal safety issues. But, the FRA safety rules do address idling trains that sit near a crossing and “unnecessarily activate grade crossing warning devices such as flashing lights and gate arms” unless it is part of normal train movements or switching operations. The FRA encourages railroads to be good corporate citizens and work with state and local officials to eliminate or reduce the effects of blocked crossings. “For example, a railroad might make operational changes such as the time of day it services its customers or where it stops its trains to make crew changes,” the FRA fact sheet says. The FRA fact sheet offers several possible solutions to reduce the frequency of blocked crossings. Railroad companies can add track, close or move crossings, or join with local governments to build an overpass over the rail line. The FRA also says rail companies can change how they operate to help reduce blocked crossings. Changes could include reducing the length of trains, uncoupling two rail cars to allow traffic to pass, moving the location where it stops for a crew change, holding a train out of the crossing until it can move through without stopping, changing rail yard traffic and changing customers’ pick up and delivery schedules.