The FRA

The FRA Office of Railroad Safety has established the Human Factors Investigation Team to focus on how putting safety first in daily operations can reduce the likelihood of accidents.

Happy Birthday USDOT 🎉🇺🇸 Celebrating 59 years of American innovation in the Golden Age of Transportation!

FRA Administrator Fink enjoyed the opportunity to observe RailPod, Inc.’s on-track demonstration of automated technology. RailPod’s project is a great example of how automated inspection tools have the potential to decrease service disruptions and reduce long-term maintenance costs while ensuring a safer, more reliable network.

Tuesday Trivia: Mary Riggins patented the first railway crossing gate in ___ which laid the groundwork for today’s highway-rail grade crossing active warning devices. 🇺🇸250

🛠️🇺🇸AMERICA IS BUILDING AGAIN🛠️🇺🇸 The new fixed-span of Portal North Bridge eliminates the need to open and close the bridge for marine transport allowing for seamless passenger rail movement saving passengers time during their travels.

While most are sleeping…

Safety Saturday: Don’t get stuck! Always ensure you can completely clear a rail crossing. If your vehicle has low clearance or a long wheelbase, take an alternate route.

FRA’s Hands-On Leader 🦺 While in New York City last week, FRA Administrator David Fink met with a dedicated New York Penn Station maintenance of way team. He observed their underground track work, which keeps operations running safely and smoothly, aligning with the FRA’s top safety and development priorities.

It takes sharp eyes and an alert mind to safely guide thousands of tons of steel from the side of a car.

A blocked crossing is when a train is stationary or slow moving at an at-grade crossing for an extended time. Let us know if you experienced a blocked crossing in your community. We will use the information you input in our portal to find working solutions among communities, stakeholders, and the railroads. Bookmark the link: fra.dot.gov/blockedcrossin…

Arteries of American commerce.

Safety Saturday: Always wait for the grade crossing gate arms to fully ascend and lights to stop flashing before proceeding through a grade crossing.

Last week, FRA Administrator David Fink toured Duos Technologies Inc. facilities in Jacksonville, Florida to see a demonstration of their m-rip technology platform showcasing how it can identify potentially serious defects while a train stays in motion. FRA supports innovation and technology in the rail industry which has strong potential to further enhance rail safety and operations.

You aren't just moving freight; you're carrying the legacy of a nation.

Federal law requires train horns to sound for safety unless your city or county creates an official quiet zone. Your local leaders can start the process with the FRA to make the necessary safety upgrades to qualify. Learn more about train horns and quiet zones here: railroads.dot.gov/railroad-safet…

Tuesday Trivia: What major safety upgrade did railroads adopt in the 1860s to prevent tracks from snapping under heavy loads? 🇺🇸250

Thanks to @POTUS’s $766.5M investment during his first term, @amtrak and @njtransit OFFICIALLY OPENED the first track on Portal North Bridge! The @FTA_DOT investment replaces a 116-year-old bridge that was responsible for delaying hundreds of thousands of commuters. Under President Trump, America is BUILDING AGAIN to ensure American families can get back to what’s important, FASTER THAN EVER🚊🧱👷🚧 railway-news.com/nj-transit-and…

🛠️🇺🇸AMERICA IS BUILDING AGAIN 🛠️🇺🇸 More projects. More safety. Under the leadership of @USDOT @SecDuffy we are ramping up investments in rail safety and innovation across the country.

Piggyback ride.

Safety Saturday: As spring break begins, remember to let children know the serious dangers of being on and near train tracks. oli.org/info/kids