LINCOLN, Neb.-The Nebraska Public Service Commission has issued an order dismissing the Transportation Department complaint (DC-98) against the Union PacificRailroad 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 PSCTransportation Department to file a formal complaint against UPRR, NCRC, and BNSF. Today’saction 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 a 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 PaulRoad 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 to 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 TransportationDepartment @ [email protected]
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 needfor rail safety education and empower the general public to keep themselves safe near highway-rail grade crossings and railroad right-of-ways.