When trains are too long ...

[Axtremus]

https://www.propublica.org/article/trains-crossing-blocked-kids-norfolk-southern

When trains are too long ...

1. They block multiple interactions at a time
2. First responders are delayed when they cannot cross an intersection
3. Townships have to hire more first responders and staff them on both sides of the rail as a result
4. Kids cannot get to school without doing something risky, like climbing over or crawling under trains

Local administrators and politicians know the problem, but are powerless to fix it because rails are under the federal government's jurisdiction.

Some towns spend tens of millions to build overpasses.

Bills introduced at the federal level to address this stuff has so for gone nowhere.

What's the federal executive branch going to do about this?

Buttigieg said that this spring or summer, he expects to announce the first grants in a new U.S. Department of Transportation program designed to help alleviate blocked crossings. The federal government is putting $3 billion into the program over five years.

:man-shrugging:

[Jolly]

Ever thought about picking up the damn phone and confirming when the trains are coming through...

[Axtremus]

@Jolly said in When trains are too long ...:

Ever thought about picking up the damn phone and confirming when the trains are coming through...

1. Sometimes the very long trains just park there for a long time.

2. Catastrophes that require first responders care not about the trains' schedules before striking

[Jolly]

Local issue. Work it out with the rail company.

Much ado about nothing.

[George K]

Our town staffs two fire stations, one on each side of the tracks.

[Axtremus]

@Jolly said in When trains are too long ...:

Local issue. Work it out with the rail company.

Much ado about nothing.

You miss the part about rail roads falling under federal jurisdiction. The local governments are powerless in many cases.

[George K]

@Axtremus said in When trains are too long ...:

You miss the part about rail roads falling under federal jurisdiction. The local governments are powerless in many cases.

If a train obstructs a crossing for a prolonged period of time, the municipality has the authority to ticket or fine the railroad.

[Axtremus]

@George-K said in When trains are too long ...:

@Axtremus said in When trains are too long ...:

You miss the part about rail roads falling under federal jurisdiction. The local governments are powerless in many cases.

If a train obstructs a crossing for a prolonged period of time, the municipality has the authority to ticket or fine the railroad.

The article talks about a federal court decision that curtailed municipalities’ power to issue tickets to railroad companies.