Oklahoma DOT asks STB to OK alternative rail service on Blackwell line

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Blackwell Industrial Authority (BIA) this week petitioned the Surface Transportation Board for an emergency service order that would allow alternative rail service on a line formerly operated by the Blackwell Northern Gateway Railroad Co. (BNGR).

The emergency service order calls for allowing the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad LLC to provide local rail service to shippers along 35.3 miles of rail line owned by ODOT and BIA and leased to BNGR.

The line extends from Blackwell, Oklahoma, to Wellington, Kansas, where BNGR interchanged with BNSF Railway Co.

ODOT and BIA are seeking the emergency service order from the STB following the Federal Railroad Administration's decision to shut down BNGR operations due to serious violations of rail safety regulations. In its rarely issued emergency order, the FRA said BNGR could restart operates only after completing 14 actions demonstrating compliance with federal regulations.

In their petition to the STB, ODOT and BIA say they don’t believe that the issues identified by FRA are likely to be resolved in the near term and, as a result, they intend to terminate BNGR's lease. Although the short line disputes whether it defaulted under its operating agreement with ODOT and BIA, "it has indicated that it is conditionally willing to peacefully transfer its operating rights to a successor carrier," the petition states.

The petition is supported by BIA and shippers Tensar International LLC and A-Line T.D.S. Inc., ODOT and BIA said.

Since the FRA shut down BNGR operations, ODOT and BIA have reached an agreement under which the Rock Island railroad would provide emergency service once the STB approves the petition.

To read the entire petition, click here.