Traffic Woes in Texas Due to 'Monster Trains'
Long Freight Trains Cause Delays
In Texas, freight trains are causing significant traffic issues as they cross busy roadways. Some of these trains are now up to 3 miles long, leading to traffic hold-ups of up to 7 minutes in areas like Pleasantville, Texas. The town is situated near rail yards run by Union Pacific, as highlighted in a recent Wall Street Journal report. The report suggests that these 'monster trains' are a profit-making strategy, as they can transport more goods with fewer locomotives and crew members.
No Federal Limits on Train Length
Despite the issues they cause, there are currently no federal limits on train length. However, regulators are reviewing this matter. Over a dozen states, including Texas, have proposed limiting train length to 1.6 miles. However, these laws cannot be enforced due to interstate commerce rules.
Union Pacific and Blocked Crossing Complaints
Union Pacific, which is the main source of blocked crossing complaints, operates trains up to 3.8 miles long. In the last quarter, its average train length was 1.8 miles, a significant increase from 1.3 miles in 2018.
Long Trains Cause Longer Waits
Long trains move at a slower pace, leading to longer waits for drivers. The situation worsens when the trains stop. School buses, ambulances, and firetrucks face delays, while pedestrians and cyclists sometimes take the risk of crossing between train cars. This has led to fatal accidents, such as the death of a 27-year-old woman in Texas in July. Texas leads the nation in blocked rail crossings, with over 8,000 reports in the past year, compared to 1,600 in Illinois. The rising population and container traffic from Gulf Coast ports have exacerbated the issue of blocked crossings in Texas.
Impact on Communities
“Any time a train operates through a community—whether it’s 3,000-feet-long or whether it’s 10,000-feet-long—you know you’re going to impact roadways, the communities,” said Jim Vena, chief executive of Union Pacific. Railroads also argue that long trains help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while labor unions claim they increase safety risks and threaten jobs.
Real-Life Impact of Train Delays
A 3-mile train moving at 25 mph takes about 7 minutes and 12 seconds to clear a crossing, plus 20 seconds for the gate warning. For people like Ramon Rios, who has a special needs son with a service driver, these delays can be a significant inconvenience. “But if you get caught right at the train tracks and you’ve traffic behind you, you can’t get out,” the 70-year-old said.
Concerns for Safety and Convenience
Letitia Plummer, a Houston City Council member, expressed her concerns: “People can’t get to work on time in the mornings or get back home in the evenings. And now our babies are crawling underneath the trains to cross the railroad tracks.”
Bottom Line
The issue of 'monster trains' in Texas is a complex one, with implications for safety, convenience, and economic factors. As the debate continues, it's clear that a balance must be struck between the needs of the rail industry and the communities they serve. What are your thoughts on this situation? Please share this article with your friends and let us know your views. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6 pm.
