FRA examination of safety and quality of long freight trains

In response to the increasing length and prevalence of long trains, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has finalized three comprehensive reports examining the safety and performance of trains exceeding 7,500 feet. These reports, recently submitted to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), aim to inform an ongoing NAS study mandated by Congress under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The studies focus on the impact of extended train lengths on various operational aspects, especially concerning air brake system behavior and overall train dynamics.

The FRA’s extensive research included tests on stationary and moving trains to evaluate the performance of air brake systems under different conditions. Findings indicated that while air brake systems functioned as expected in controlled environments, several safety and performance concerns arose with increased train lengths. Phase II testing revealed a higher likelihood of unintended brake releases and slower brake response times with longer trains when only head-end power was used. Phase III testing demonstrated that distributed power configurations provided better braking capabilities. Phase IV testing identified elevated buff and coupler forces when long trains ascended grades, suggesting potential safety issues in non-ideal conditions and the need for further research.

FRA Administrator Amit Bose emphasized the critical need for accurate and actionable data as freight trains grow longer, sometimes reaching up to three miles. Bose highlighted FRA's commitment to transparency and collaboration with labor and industry stakeholders to ensure safe and efficient freight rail operations. This commitment has led to enhanced data collection efforts and increased attention to the complexities of train makeup, especially following several derailments attributed to improper train configurations.

In light of these concerns, the FRA issued safety advisories in April and May 2023, addressing the risks associated with long trains and their impact on rail crossings. These advisories followed multiple derailments and highlighted the potential dangers of blocked crossings, particularly for first responders. While there are no federal regulations limiting train length or crossing blockages, the FRA continues to prioritize safety and quality of life. Efforts include the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which aims to enhance safety at over 400 grade crossings nationwide.