Rail-related provisions in the newly signed infrastructure bill span from federal grants to support infrastructure projects to studying the impacts of positive train control and train lengths.
Union Pacific is constructing a grain transload facility at its intermodal terminal near Chicago, while two U.S. senators introduce bipartisan legislation to form a grant program that aims to reduce highway-rail grade crossings.
New provisions seek a comprehensive review of the U.S. grade crossing inventory.
The bills call actions such as setting federal penalties for blocked crossings and allowing funding for the construction of more rail-grade crossings.
To reduce or eliminate blocked highway-rail grade crossings, the federal government needs to define the roles of stakeholders and technology, hearing witnesses said.
The Federal Railroad Administration is proposing all states address highway-rail grade crossing safety.
The railroad contends the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act and the Federal Railroad Safety Act preempt Oklahoma’s law.
“Without documented strategies for how it plans to communicate the results of its research, FRA may lose an opportunity to effectively work with internal and external stakeholders – such as railroads, rail workers and local communities – to address any risks of operating longer trains in support of the agency’s mission of enabling the safe, efficient and reliable transportation of people and goods.”
Blocking railroad crossings in Oklahoma now could come at a financial cost for freight railroads.
Caroline Mulroney will be the ministry’s third leader in less than a year as province’s government contends with widespread public dissatisfaction.
