Legislation asked to limit train length

December 29, 2022 at 11:56 am CST

The BNSF Railway Special sits on the tracks in Creston after returning from the evening trip to Stanton and back. Nearly 500 passengers participated in two different rides on the train, which included 13 passenger cars used in the 1950s by the Santa Fe Railroad. (CNA photo)

Railroad employee unions are asking for a state law that limits the length of trains.

According to multiple reports, Union Pacific conductor and SMART T-D union member Chris Smith of Tama said longer trains lead to additional accidents and block railroad crossings for longer, forcing emergency response crews to detour and longer routes to get to emergencies.

A federal report stated the length of trains increased 25% between 2008 and 2017. There is no limit in state or federal law on train length. A bill to set 8,500 feet, or 1.6 miles, as the maximum train length cleared initial review in the 2022 Iowa Legislature.

A spokesman for a railroad said trains of all lengths have been safely operated for years and longer trains reduce fuel and labor costs.

JOHN VAN NOSTRAND

An Iowa native, John's newspaper career has mostly been in small-town weeklies from the Rocky Mountains to the Mississippi River. He first stint in Creston was from 2002 to 2005.