West Virginia train derailment leaks diesel and oil

[BumRushDaShow]

13. I think one of the biggest issues brought up

was the train lengths. Apparently the railroads have increased the number of connected train cars being hauled by almost 25%, so having that pounding over a stretch of rail may have the affect of overheating them during certain times of the year.

GAO had a report in 2019 on this - https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-19-443

Fast Facts

Freight trains have been getting longer—nearly 3 miles in some cases. This has raised concerns that trains may block traffic more often at road-crossings, impeding emergency responders and prompting unsafe pedestrian behavior (such as climbing through stopped trains). Braking and other operations can also be more complex for these longer trains.

The Federal Railroad Administration is studying potential safety risks and the best ways to operate longer trains.

We recommended that FRA broadly share its research results, and work with railroads and state and local officials on ways to solve road-crossing issues.

You also have something that was brought up about modernizing temperature sensors installed along routes, as well as the sensors on the trains, in order to provide hazard signaling to operators before it gets to a point of no return. Apparently the current sensor equipment is prone to false negatives and false positives.

This is why there are hearings - not just to lecture the CEO but to look at the gaps in the regulations and even have an opportunity in the future to bring in some experts to describe some possible solutions.