[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 92 (Thursday, June 28, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S7079]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RAILROAD CROSSING DELAY REDUCTION ACT

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, earlier this month I introduced the 
Railroad Crossing Delay Reduction Act, S. 1015, with my colleagues, 
Senators Levin and Stabenow. 
  This legislation would accelerate efforts at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation to address the issue of rail safety by requiring the 
Secretary of Transportation to issue specific regulations regarding 
trains that block automobile traffic at railroad crossings. Currently, 
there are no Federal limits on how long trains can block crossings. The 
Railroad Crossing Delay Reduction Act would simply minimize automobile 
traffic delay caused by trains blocking traffic at railroad grade 
crossings.
  In northeastern Illinois, there are frequent blockages at rail 
crossings. These blocked crossings prevent emergency vehicles, such as 
fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, and other related vehicles from 
getting to their destinations during the times of need. This is a 
serious problem and one I hope to address by passage of this important 
legislation.
  Blocked rail crossings also delay drivers by preventing them from 
getting to their destinations. Motorists, knowing they will have to 
wait for a train to move at blocked crossings, sometimes try to beat 
the train or ignore signals completely. This is a threat to public 
safety, and one that must stop. Motorists must act responsibly, but we 
can reduce the temptation by reducing delays.
  Trains stopped for long periods of time also tempt pedestrians to 
cross between the train cars. I've heard from local mayors in my State 
that children, in order to get home from school, cross between the rail 
cars. This is a terrible invitation to tragedy.
  Trains blocking crossings cause traffic problems, congestion, and 
delay. These issues are very real. They are serious. And more 
importantly, they are a threat to public safety. To address these 
problems, I've introduced with my colleagues the Railroad Crossing 
Delay Reduction Act. I'm hopeful this legislation will provide for a 
safer Illinois and a safer Nation. I urge my colleagues to join the 
effort to reduce blocked rail-grade crossings by cosponsoring and 
supporting S. 1015.

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