Delaware DOT seeks public input on new state rail plan

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and DART First State are seeking public comments on a recently drafted state rail plan (SRP) until May 16. The state’s train, bus and intermodal transportation provider, DART First State oversees contracted Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority commuter trains, and Operation Lifesaver grade crossing safety and trespasser awareness programs.

DelDOT’s Division of Planning, Delaware Transit Corp. — a DelDOT subsidiary that operates DART First State — and consultants Parsons Brinckerhoff and S.L. Bassford and Associates jointly developed the plan, which was prepared in response to the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 that requires states to maintain current rail plans as a condition for federal funding. DelDOT’s last SRP was drafted in 2000.

The SRP identifies the state’s goals for freight and passenger rail as elements of the overall transportation system. The plan includes an inventory of railroads operating in the state, their tracks and facilities, commodities and customers, and passenger services and stations.

The SRP also identifies opportunities to expand rail service, as well as potential chokepoints and other obstacles, and summarizes projects under way or recently completed, “some of which may serve as models for future public-private partnerships,” DelDOT officials said in a prepared statement.

“The state plan discusses DelDOT's organization for managing rail-related activities and cooperation with private rail companies, neighboring states and regional partnerships,” they said.

After the SRP is approved by DelDOT’s acting secretary, a final plan will be filed with the Federal Railroad Administration.