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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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
Increased Homeland Security requirements

10. 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.

11. 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

13. On-Track Safety Continued…
Personal Protective Equipment
Do not wear Red Clothing!
Job briefing hazard analysis
For more information:

14. 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.

15. Questions ?

16. Contact Information
John Schnaderbeck, ODOT Rail Engineer
(503)
Richard Shankle, ODOT Rail Crossing Safety Manager
(503)