For Immediate Release
PSC Dismisses Complaint against Two Railroads
Lincoln, September 15, 2020 – The Nebraska Public Service
Commission has issued an Order dismissing the
Transportation Department complaint (DC-98) against the
Union Pacific Railroad Company (UPRR) and Nebraska
Central Railroad Company (NCRC ).
In June, the PSC issued an Order releasing its findings from
its February hearing and closing the investigation into the
blocking of railroad crossings in Hall County and directed
the PSC Transportation Department to file a formal
complaint against UPRR, NCRC and BNSF. Today’s action
by the Commission dismisses the complaint (DC-98) against
UPRR & NCRC.
“Our goal through this process was to find a workable
solution to the problem of blocked crossings and we intend
to keep close watch to assure the solution is long term,”
said Commission Chair Mary Ridder. “By working together
UPRR & NCRC have found a way to keep these crossings
open. We appreciate their efforts and believe this new
process will provide long awaited relief to the citizens who
need to safely cross to their places of work, school, and
family.”
The two railroads (UPRR & NCRC) have agreed on a plan as to
how they will handle their trains, so they are not blocking
crossings. The section of track affected is between Saint
Paul Road and Sky Park Road, Airport Road east to past
4th Street East.
A departmental complaint (DC-97) filed against Burlington
Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) remains ongoing.
Commissioner Ridder said, “We hope to be able to come
a workable solution with BNSF as well. With Rail Safety Week
coming up we remind everyone that the safety of our citizens
is of utmost importance and we encourage anyone who may
encounter problems to contact our Transportation
Department.”
Citizens wishing to provide information on areas of concern
can email the PSC Transportation Department @psc.motor
filings@ nebraska.gov
Sponsored by Operation LifeSaver (OLI) in partnership with
U.S. Department of Transportation(USDOT) Rail Safety Week
September 21-27, is an opportunity to raise awareness of
the need for rail safety education and empower the general
public to keep themselves safe near highway-rail grade
crossings and railroad right-of-ways. ###
Contact:
Deb Collins- Media & Communications Mgr.
(402) 471-0226
deb.collins@nebraska.gov
