Rail Bill Emphasizes Crossing Safety

Two high-profile truck-train accidents at railroad grade crossings in recent months have heightened congressional interest in rail safety, leading one lawmaker to propose legislation to address the problem.

A bill reauthorizing federal rail safety programs was introduced earlier this month by Rep. James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.). Authorization for the programs expired in October, leaving the Federal Railroad Administration to operate them on an interim basis.

Included in Oberstar’s measure are provisions that have attracted the ire of railroads, which contend the legislation is unnecessary.

FRA staff is putting the finishing touches on its reauthorization proposal, and Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John McCain plans to hold hearings later this year on it.

McCain (R-Ariz.) also wants to hold additional hearings on rail safety once the FRA bill is sent to Congress.

However, Oberstar is not waiting for the agency to act. His legislation, introduced July 1, would not only reauthorize the safety program, it also would require the FRA to initiate the following:

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Have railroads establish a toll-free hot line for people to report problems at rail crossings.

Develop rules for states to use in penalizing truck or car drivers who go around crossing gates as a train approaches.

Issue new regulations for railroad cars to have reflective tape or other devices within a year after issuing a report on conspicuity.

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