The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recently announced a request for information from the public on blocked railroad crossings. U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Congressman Pete Visclosky (D-Ind.-1) are urging Hoosiers to provide input to the FRA.
On June 14, 2019, the FRA issued a federal register notice in order to obtain information regarding the frequency, location, and impacts of highway-rail grade crossings blocked by slow-moving or idling trains. The solicitation notes the potential safety concerns with crossings that are blocked by trains, including that emergency response vehicles may be significantly delayed from responding to an incident or transporting patients to a hospital.
Additionally, the notice states that the FRA proposes to add new dedicated links to its existing website and its existing phone app for users to report blocked crossings, and that this would simplify the reporting of blocked crossing information and standardize the data received.
“I have heard from numerous Hoosier communities about the impact of blocked railroad crossings in Indiana. I encourage impacted Indiana communities to submit detailed information to further the FRA’s review,” said Senator Young. “I appreciate the FRA’s attention to this important public safety issue and will continue working with Hoosier stakeholders to identify solutions.”
“Hoosiers deserve a straightforward approach about information regarding blocked railroad crossings and I commend the Federal Railroad Administration’s willingness to work with all parties involved on this important issue,” said Senator Braun.
“I encourage all Northwest Indiana individuals and entities engaged in this critical issue to submit their invaluable information and observations to the FRA,” said Congressman Visclosky. “I appreciate the initiative of the FRA to proactively seek out this information, and I will continue to work through the Congressional appropriations and legislative processes to further improve the capabilities to address blocked railroad crossing issues.”
For additional information on the FRA solicitation or to submit a comment, click here.
