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PSC to Open Formal Complaint in Hall County Railroad Crossing Investigation

PSC to Open Formal Complaint in Hall County Railroad Crossing Investigation

For Immediate Release

PSC to Open Formal Complaint in Hall County
   Blocked Railroad Crossing Investigation

Lincoln, June 30, 2020 – The Nebraska Public Service Commission
on Tuesday, June 30, issued an Order releasing its findings and
closing the investigation into the blocking of railroad crossings in
Hall County (PI-228) and directed the PSC Transportation
Department to file a formal complaint against Burlington Northern
Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad, Nebraska Central Railroad (NCRR) and
Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR).

The formal complaint follows an investigation by the Commissions’
Transportation Department and a February 5, Commission hearing
held in Grand Island, Hall County, in which Commissioners heard
several hours of testimony from both concerned citizens and railroad
representatives.

“We heard very compelling testimony from citizens whose daily lives
are greatly affected and in some instances safety is jeopardized by
the blocking of these railroad crossings,” said Commission Chair
Mary Ridder.“While the railroads disputed many of the allegations,
they were unable to produce data to support their position.”

Following the hearing, BNSF was afforded the opportunity to provide
data to the Commission related to particular dates and times of
observed blockages which they did not agree with. The Commission
was later notified by BNSF that it does not keep daily train stoppage
data and any attempt to reconstruct such data would be too
burdensome.

The Commission had hoped that the three railroads could reach a
solution to the blocked crossings. However, the parties could not
reach an agreement.

Commissioner Ridder said, “Without a resolution by the parties
involved, we are left with no other option than to make our decision
based upon the evidence and testimony presented to us and proceed
with filing a formal complaint.”

A formal complaint for violation of Commission Rule 002.09D will be
drafted by the PSC Transportation Department and sent to BNSF,
NCRR and UPRR. Upon receipt of the formal complaint the parties
will have 20 days to respond to the PSC before any additional
proceedings are determined. ###
 

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

Hall County BLocked RailRoad Crossing Hearing

 

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