Where can I find who takes care of the railroad tracks so I can send them a video of a problem area?

Question

I live next to the railroad tracks and there is a problem area. It used to be a continuous track and the crew from h**l came and replaced a small section of track, now nobody sleeps because it makes too much noise. The small section also keeps coming loose and I am afraid the train is going to derail one of this days.

Answer 1

Contact the Department of Transportation.

Answer 2

This "replaced" track may only be temporary with an accompanying speed restriction, but better to be safe than sorry.

If you know the carrier, Union Pacific, CSX, BNSF, etc. then you should make an effort to contact the road master's office or maintenance of way personnel.  Failing that (which is likely as you'll probably be totally ignored) contact local officials, county sheriff's office or state police and show them your concerns.  They will definitely check out the situation, and actually may be a better place to start.

Answer 3

On the back of crossing signs, there's usually a crossing number, mileage, and phone number for whoever owns the track.  Try phoning that number, and see where it gets you.

Failing that, get the crossing numbers and mileages for crossings immediately surrounding the problem area, and contact the Federal Railroad Administration, local law officials, or the AAR (Association of American Railroads).

Hopefully one of these will provide a sympathetic ear.  Good luck.

Answer 4

............I just hope it's BNSF because they don't listen when the crews complain about it.........maybe you could get some better track for us.  BTW.......if they can leave it like it is and move 100 trains over it before it derails.........they'll do it.  If they can make more by running freight over it......."until it derails".....than paying the $50k derail bill when it does..............don't be waiting for the fat lady to sing........because they'll do it forever.  We have a permanent interlocker "if you know what that is"........well the diamond is not the correct size........so they just make you go 25 mph over it instead of 55.............and it's been like this for over 4 years.  As long as it works....don't fix it.

Answer 5

Contact the National Transportation Highway and Safety Administration or your states DOT for help. Or simply call your local law enforcement office. Take notes on when you call, their response and actions(if any) so if nothing is done, you can contact the media and produce your records of attempts to resolve the issue.

Answer 6

Phone up the community service people and they will direct you to the correct persons.