Are there laws that regulate how long a train can block a road crossing?
“No local ordinance exists that governs the length of time that trains may occupy road crossings. However, CSX makes every effort to minimize the time that we interrupt motor vehicle traffic,” says Gary Sease, spokesman for the national freight carrier. In an informational fact sheet about the topic, the Federal Railroad Administration states it “does not regulate the length of time a train may block a grade crossing.” The reason? “A federal law or regulation limiting the amount of time a grade crossing may be blocked could have the undesirable effect of causing a railroad to violate other federal safety rules such as when a train must be stopped to comply with regulations requiring that air brake tests may be performed,” the FRA fact sheet states. FRA safety rules do address standing or idling trains that unnecessarily activate grade crossing warning devices such as flashing lights and gate arms. The federal rule specifically prohibits standing trains, locomotives, or other rail equip
