ODOT Railroad Access & Safety John Schnaderbeck P.E., ODOT Technical Services and Rail & Public Transit Division

Background BNSF & UPRR - running 5,000 – 7,000 foot trains Mainline top speeds are 79 mph Emergency braking takes 15 seconds to charge the entire system It takes approximately 5500 feet (60-70 sec) to stop a mile long train moving at 60 MPH Approaching trains are hard to hear, even at higher speeds

Union Pacific RR making an emergency stop This is a demonstration of how long it takes to stop a train.

Background continued… Railroad right of way is private property and regulated by the owner All access is controlled by the railroad Steps are required for proper and safe access

General Safety Requirements FRA CFR 213/214 Safety requirements Safety requirements from individual Class 1 railroads (BNSF & UPRR) 26 short line railroads in Oregon Access to one railroad doesn’t cover access to another

General Safety Requirements Continued… Entering railroad property without permission is trespassing (Class A misdemeanor ORS 164.205 and ORS 164.255) It is a fine up to $6,250 and/or up to one year in jail through FRA

General Safety Requirements Continued Railroads have the ability to revoke access of personnel performing work who are employed by a contractor or the contracting company Railroads have the ability to restrict access to individual public employees or public agencies

Maintenance or Work within R/W Areas where State R/W within 25 feet of tracks (I-84 clear zone). Easements road r/w on RR r/w Maintenance Activities coordinate with MTM or Road Master on schedule timing. Know what the Right of Way agreement is to coordinate from a position of strength.

Procedures for Accessing Railroad Property Determine the need Coordinate with other access needs Coordinate with the railroad through ODOT Rail Division for contacts Obtain a Right of Entry permit from the railroad Identify a team lead to complete Contractor Orientation Course www.contractororientation.com Increased Homeland Security requirements

Working around live tracks (Red Zone) Job briefing with the railroad What is the Red Zone? Two rules of Red Zone compliance Be alert to train movement Sufficient distance DO Not cross or foul tracks in front or behind moving equipment DO Not go between equipment if opening is less than 100 feet DO Not cross tracks in front or behind standing equipment unless there is at least 20 feet between employee and equipment What is the red zone? Being within 25 feet of the centerline of the track.

On-Track Safety Compliance with FRA worker protection regulations (49 CFR 214) Employees must: Maintain a distance of at least 25 feet to any track centerline unless the railroad’s employee in charge is present to authorize movements

On-Track Safety Continued… Personal Protective Equipment Do not wear Red Clothing! Job briefing hazard analysis For more information: www.oregon.gov/ODOT/RAIL

Emergency Situations Every Crossing should have a DOT Crossing number and Telephone number. New regulations require a blue sign posted at crossings with crossing number and phone numbers.

Questions ?

Contact Information John Schnaderbeck, ODOT Rail Engineer john.schnaderbeck@odot.state.or.us (503) 986-3971 Richard Shankle, ODOT Rail Crossing Safety Manager richard.a.shankle@odot.state.or.us (503) 986-4273