NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – The City of Norfolk is helping to get the word out about an online system the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) created for citizens and law enforcement to report blocked railroad crossings.
The system has been around for a few years, but data shows its existence is not yet common knowledge yet.
In a news release to residents this month, Norfolk city officials wrote, “We understand the inconvenience caused by blocked railroad crossings can be frustrating. In recent years, changes in rail operations and public perception have made this a nationwide issue. Transportation agencies from other states have raised these concerns with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).”
10 On Your Side has previously reported on the FRA online reporting system.
Following a WAVY investigative report in 2022 on blocked crossings, Suffolk directed its police department to begin reporting extended delays using the law enforcement option on the FRA’s Blocked Crossing Incident Reporter — as well as calling the SCC. The city’s director of communication later told 10 On Your Side they noticed improvement since making that change.