News from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission

Matt Skinner, Public Information

Phone: (405) 521-4180, FAX: (405) 521-6945 m.skinner@occmail.occ.state.ok.us

February 26, 2003

COMMISSION MOVES TO IMPROVE SAFETY, KEEP TRAFFIC FLOWING AT RAIL CROSSING

Long waits caused by a stopped train at a rail crossing in Mannford should now be a thing of the past, as a result of action prompted by concerns brought to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission by State Senator Ted Fisher (District 12).

The Commission now has an agreement from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway to change its train-handling practices in order to keep stopped trains at the Warbonnet Road rail crossing from blocking traffic for more than 10 minutes.

In addition, the Commission issued an order requiring Burlington to have crossing gates installed at the crossing by March of next year.

"Senator Fisher apparently had had many complaints from constituents about the delays at the crossing, and contacted us," explained OCC Transportation Division Director Ace McCown. "Our rail manager investigated the matter, and met with Burlington officials to work out a solution."

OCC Railroad Manager Buddy Combs says the Commission has rules governing the blocking of a rail crossing to traffic.

"Unless there are extenuating circumstances, a stopped train may not block a crossing in Oklahoma for more than 10 minutes", said Combs. "Apparently, this had happened at the Warbonnet crossing. In addition, there were safety concerns at that crossing, as its layout makes it impossible for motorists to get a clear view of both sides of the crossing before proceeding on. The crossing gate will remedy those concerns."

Any motorist who thinks a train is wrongfully blocking a crossing can call the OCC's railroad department at 405-521-3407.

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(All OCC advisories and news releases are available at the Commission web site www.occ.state.ok.us)