Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Dan Gunderson

Local officials can now request railroad bridge safety info

Traffic passes under a railroad bridge
More than 11,000 vehicles a day pass under this railroad bridge in Moorhead, Minn.
Ann Arbor Miller | MPR News 2015

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

State and local officials can now ask for information about the safety of railroad bridges.

The Federal Railroad Administration on Friday launched a web-based request form for safety inquiries. Once a request is filed, the FRA gives the railroad 30 days to provide the report.

"The Federal Railroad Administration has repeatedly urged railroads to be more responsive and more transparent with state and local leaders concerned about the condition of their local railroad bridges," FRA Administrator Sarah Feinberg said in a statement. "Providing inspection reports to local leaders is a great first step, but more can — and must — be done."

The FRA has requested funding to double its bridge specialist staff and create a national rail bridge inventory. There is currently no inventory of rail bridges.

The Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act signed by President Obama in December required railroads to provide information about bridge inspections to state or local officials.

The law says the report must include a general statement of the bridge condition.

Railroads do the primary inspection of bridges, with oversight from the FRA.