Senate Passes Diegnan Bill to Require the Removal of Vegetation Near Railroad Crossings

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senator Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr., which would require railroad operators to remove obstructive vegetation near railroad crossings, passed the Senate today.

“We cannot allow for vegetation to impede the flow of transportation whether that’s for roads with automobiles and schools buses or on the tracks with trains,” said Senator Diegnan (D-Middlesex). “When vegetation is removed near railroad crossings, it will increase the safety for all who cross through.”

“The safety of our workers and train engineers is of the utmost importance,” said Ron Sabol, of SMART-TD (Sheet Metal, Air, Trail, and Transportation Workers). “Our economy runs more smoothly when we prevent problems before they can happen. Trimming back vegetation from railroad crossings will improve safety and decrease the number of potential accidents.”

The bill, S-3425, would require a railroad operator to destroy or remove obstructive vegetation upon its right-of-way at each intersection with a public road or highway. The removal would be at a distance of 300 feet or such other distance from the public road or highway that the Commissioner of Transportation would determine to be reasonably safe.

The bill was released from the Senate by a vote of 35-0.