Rep. Kind asks GAO to investigate blocked rail crossings in Wisconsin

U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.) has asked the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate public safety risks that occur when parked trains block rail crossings in his state.

The congressman’s request is in reaction to his constituents’ concerns about the impact parked trains have when they block rail crossings in their cities and towns for hours at a time.

Kind heard about the concern repeatedly in recent months when he hosted listening sessions with citizens across western and central Wisconsin.

“These blocked crossings are not only an impediment to everyday life, but also a serious public safety hazard,” Kind said in a press release.

Last month, Kind held a meeting with local officials from central Wisconsin and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to discuss possible solutions. He also has spoken with FRA Acting Administrator Sarah Feinberg and written to CN about the problem.

In a letter to the GAO, Kind asked for an immediate investigation “into the negative impact this action is having on our communities.”