PSC To Investigate Blocked Railroad Crossings In Hall County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PSC To Investigate Blocked  Railroad Crossings in Hall County

Lincoln, January 7, 2020 – The Nebraska Public Service Commission
has opened a docket and scheduled a hearing to further investigate
complaints dealing with blocked railroad crossings in Hall County.

“This investigation grew out of complaints from citizens and the Hall
County Board of Supervisors regarding crossings in the Grand Island
area being blocked for extended periods of time,” said Commission
Chair Mary Ridder. “It appears to be a long standing problem that
has the potential to pose safety risk for the public and first responders.”

In conjunction with the investigation, a hearing to gather additional
information will be held beginning at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday,
February 5, in the Board Room at the Hall County Offices, 121 S. Pine
St., in Grand Island. During the hearing, the Commission will take
testimony from the involved railroad carriers, Nebraska Central
Railroad Company and BNSF Railway Company. The public is
also invited to attend and provide comment.

Commissioner Ridder said, “We encourage Grand Island area
residents who have been dealing with blocked railroad crossings to
attend the hearing so that we can gain a better understanding of the
issues they are facing.”

The Commission would also like to make the public aware of, and
encourage the use of, the Federal Railroad Administration’s new
blocked railroad crossing web portal
< https://www.fra.dot.gov/blockedcrossings/ >. The web portal is
dedicated for the public and law enforcement to report blocked
highway-rail grade crossings. ###

Contact:
Deb Collins- Media & Communications Mgr.
(402) 471-0226
deb.collins@nebraska.gov