Press Release

PUC Initiates Safety Investigation of 9th Street Rail Crossing in Pittsburgh; Crossing Carries Cars, Bicycles & Hikers Over Oil Train Corridor

Published on 4/22/2016

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has ordered an investigation into all safety-related issues involving a crossing in the City of Pittsburgh where 9^th Street crosses two mainline tracks of CSX Transportation Inc.

The Commission voted 5-0 to conduct the investigation.

“This crossing along the south side of the Monongahela River is adjacent to the popular Three Rivers Heritage Trail and carries a mix of cars, bicycles and pedestrians over a busy rail corridor traversed by 40 to 60 trains per day,” said PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown. “The investigation by the PUC’s Rail Safety Engineering Section will evaluate whether the existing conditions at the crossing are adequate to prevent accidents and promote the safety of the public.”

The Commission recently approved an application by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install new automatic gates and flashing-light signals at another nearby crossing, where 4^th St. crosses the same CSX tracks – scheduled to be completed on or before Dec. 31, 2016. Stop signs have also been ordered to be added to that crossing, as a temporary safety enhancement, until construction of the lights and gates is completed.

“Other improvements in the area serve to underscore safety concerns about the 9^th Street crossing, which is currently only marked by ‘railroad crossing’ signs and flashing lights,” Chairman Brown noted. “Limited sight lines, along with a nearby curve and bridge, can make it even more challenging for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians to spot approaching trains – including trains carrying Bakken crude oil – traveling at up to 40 miles per hour.”

Per the Order approved by the Commission, the PUC’s safety investigation will include numerous agencies, utilities and organizations with a potential interest in the crossing. Along with the examination of existing conditions at the crossing, the PUC’s review also will address the future disposition of the crossing and the cost allocation of any work that may be ordered.

Under Pennsylvania statute, the PUC has exclusive jurisdiction over the alteration, construction, relocation, suspension and abolition of public highway-railroad crossings. The Commission’s Rail Safety Engineers oversee highway-railroad crossings throughout Pennsylvania – including approximately 5,600 at-grade crossings, where public roads cross railroad tracks; along with 3,200 bridge crossings, involving bridges carrying public roads over railroads; bridges carrying railroads over public roads; and bridges carrying railroads over other railroads.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Docket No.: I-2016-2537653
 

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov