A new train safety bill is currently making its way through the Colorado legislature, aiming to enhance safety measures for railroads across the state.
House Bill 24-1030, if passed, will require railroads to implement additional safety features, impose restrictions on the length and weight of trains carrying hazardous materials, and limit the duration that trains can block major intersections during their passage.
PRIME SPONSORS
The prime sponsor of the bill, HB24-1030, emphasizes that this legislation had been in progress prior to the tragic derailment incident that occurred north of Pueblo on I-25 in October. The sponsors, who are predominantly Democrats, assert that their primary concern is the safety of individuals involved in railroad operations, as well as the potential financial impact on local businesses and trade along major thoroughfares.
In the case of the deadly Pueblo derailment, detours lasted between thirty to forty-five minutes while crews worked diligently to clear the spilled coal from the highway. The proposed solution, as outlined in the bill fact sheet, includes several key measures:
- Prohibit railroads from carrying hazardous materials on trains longer than 8,500 feet.
- Restrict the blocking of grade crossings to a maximum of 10 minutes.
- Mandate the installation of hot bearing and dragging detectors every 10 miles, providing immediate notification to the train crew of any problems.
- Grant union representatives access to all accidents as defined by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
- Enforce minimum insurance requirements for railroads transporting hazardous materials.
- Impose mandatory training and safety drills for responding to hazardous materials incidents.
Testimonies during the bill’s drafting process revealed that there are currently no Federal Railroad Administration requirements that meet the safety standards outlined in the bill’s language. To enforce compliance, railroads or train companies failing to meet these requirements will face fines.
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Critics express concerns over potential economic implications and argue that these safety measures may unduly burden the railroad industry. They contend that the bill’s provisions may hinder efficiency and increase costs for businesses reliant on rail transportation.
HB24-1030 is scheduled for its first committee hearing on February 7th.