NATIONAL RAILWAY SAFETY

Urges Congress and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), in collaboration with local and other relevant stakeholders, to take immediate action to address delays that result in idling freight trains by installing additional tracks or other measures in order to reduce environmental impacts and blocked at-grade crossings. Urges the FRA to create recommendations on the strategic placement of grade separations and mandate reasonable lengths of freight trains as determined by comprehensive federal studies and assessments that identify risks associated with long freight trains and encourage the reduction of the length of trains, including public safety impacts and any increased risks of derailment. Urges the FRA, in order to enhance public safety and minimize the risks associated with the transportation of hazardous materials, to undertake a study to determine safer, innovative methods of routing these materials through the country, with the study incorporating a full assessment of railways in relation to critical infrastructure and explosive materials, including fueling stations and gas lines, an assessment of community communication with an emphasis on first responders, a review of safety standards for rail cars, a consideration of the use of advanced technology and risk assessment tools to determine the safest and most efficient routing options for hazardous materials, and a current assessment of track conditions.