Today, BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) announced the recognition of four state Departments of Transportation for their exceptional efforts in enhancing grade crossing safety within their jurisdictions. This initiative marks a significant step towards minimizing grade crossing incidents across BNSF’s extensive 32,500-mile network.
The inaugural “Tracking to Zero” awards have been presented to Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming for achieving an average of less than one grade crossing incident per one million BNSF train miles traveled in their respective states. This achievement is substantiated by data reported to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in 2023.
Richard Scott, BNSF’s Assistant Director of Public Projects, highlighted the company’s unwavering commitment to safety, which has resulted in the best year for employee safety in BNSF’s 175-year history. Scott emphasized the importance of acknowledging communities that collaborate in maintaining the industry’s lowest grade crossing collision rate.
Examples of initiatives undertaken by the award-winning state DOTs include the installation of grade-crossing separations, enhancements to signal systems at existing crossings, research and testing of new crossing safety technologies, and leveraging state and federal funding to maximize safety improvements. Additionally, these states have prioritized community education through awareness campaigns and integrated measures to reduce railroad trespassing.
Scott emphasized the critical role of state DOTs in improving community safety by prioritizing rail safety projects and promoting informed decision-making among drivers interacting with railroad tracks.
Grade crossing safety remains a fundamental aspect of BNSF’s operational ethos, fostered through daily collaboration with over 5,000 communities across 28 states and three Canadian provinces. Since 1995, BNSF has significantly reduced its grade-crossing collision rate from an average of 5.3 incidents per million trail miles to 1.89 in 2023.
Looking ahead, BNSF remains steadfast in its vision of zero grade crossing incidents on its railroad. The company aims to achieve less than one incident per million miles traveled by 2030, continuing to recognize leading DOT teams in these efforts.
For further details on the grade crossing safety initiatives implemented in each awarded state, inquiries can be directed to media@bnsf.com.
