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WSDOT created the Stay Back from the Tracks safety campaign to educate people about the dangers of walking on or near rail tracks, especially along the new Point Defiance Bypass that runs through Nisqually, DuPont, Lakewood, Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Tacoma and will open later in 2019. As part of the campaign, WSDOT and Operation Lifesaver staff gave train safety presentations to more than 7,000 students during school presentation and numerous residents at several community events and festivals.
More information, including safety quizzes and a train safety game video, is available at Stay Back from the Tracks.
Rail is a safe and efficient way to move both people and goods. Moving goods via freight trains reduces the number of large trucks on our congested highways.
Rules to remember
Trains have the right of way
Never trespass or cross tracks illegally.
Who can I contact about train speeds?
The federal government controls most regulations of freight train traffic. For further information contact the federal Surface Transportation Board or the Federal Railroad Administration.
The state Utilities and Transportation Commission has limited regulatory authority over railroads and can be contacted at 360-664-1160 or 800-562-6150 (in Washington state) or visit the UTC website.
What are grade crossings and grade separations?
Who can I call about grade crossings?
Concerns about traffic backups and delays on the roadway should be directed to the local public works department in the community where the crossing exists, listed in the government pages of the phone book
If a crossing needs additional warning devices or is in need of an upgrade, contact the state Utilities and Transportation Commission in Olympia at 360-664-1262.
If crossing warning signals or gates are broken, malfunctioning or need maintenance, contact:
Operation Lifesaver is an international safety program designed to prevent rail-related collisions through educational outreach. To schedule a free presentation about what causes collisions and how to avoid them, call 360-664-1264. To learn more, write Washington Operations Lifesaver, PO Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504-7250.
Operation Lifesaver is a non-profit education and awareness program dedicated to ending tragic collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and on railroad rights of way. To accomplish its mission, Operation Lifesaver promotes the 3 E's:
Washington state has a very active Operation Lifesaver program, with volunteers educating the public at schools, county and safety fairs, malls, clubs, and professional organizations.