Railroads warned about the problems long trains can cause

[mahatmakanejeeves]

2. Federal Railroad Administration Safety Advisory 2023-03; Accident Mitigation and Train Length

Additional hat tip, Omaha Steve, who linked to the story in LBN

Safety Advisory 2023-03; Accident Mitigation and Train Length

This version of the Safety Advisory posted on FRA’s website is not intended to constitute the official published notice. This version was submitted for publication on April 27, 2023, and the official notice will be published in the Federal Register in the near future. The published version may appear slightly different than this website posting, due to formatting requirements and non-substantive editorial changes.

4910-06-P

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration Safety Advisory 2023-03;

Accident Mitigation and Train Length

AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of Safety Advisory.

SUMMARY: Freight train length has increased in recent years, and while research is ongoing related to operational aspects of long trains, including brake system performance, it is known that the in-train forces longer trains experience are generally stronger and more complex than those in shorter train consists. FRA is issuing this Safety Advisory to ensure railroads and railroad employees are aware of the potential complexities associated with operating longer trains and to ensure they take appropriate measures to address those complexities to ensure the safe operation of such trains. Among other things, this Safety Advisory recommends that railroads review their operating rules and existing locomotive engineer certification programs to address operational complexities of train length, take appropriate action to prevent the loss of communications between end-of-train devices, and mitigate the impacts of long trains on blocked crossings.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christian Holt, Staff Director, Operating Practices Division, Office of Railroad Safety, FRA, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590, telephone [phone].

Disclaimer: This Safety Advisory is considered guidance pursuant to DOT Order 2100.6A (June 7, 2021). Except when referencing laws, regulations, policies, or orders, the information in this Safety Advisory does not have the force and effect of law and is not binding in any way. This document does not review or replace any previously issued guidance.

{snip}

In the Federal Register:

I don't think it's been published yet. I couldn't find it. Here's an earlier safety advisory on the same subject:

Safety Advisory 2023-02; Train Makeup and Operational Safety Concerns