Report a railroad crossing emergency
In the event of a railroad emergency (such as a vehicle stalled on the railroad tracks, a railroad crossing signal malfunction, other obstruction or track damage), you should:
- Look for the blue and white sign
- Call the toll-free phone number listed on the sign
- Provide the X-ing number
- State what the problem is
- Call 911
Blocked railroad-highway grade crossings
Report a blocked railroad crossing to the Federal Railroad Administration
Trains are not to block public roads or streets in Minnesota longer than 10 minutes. See Minnesota Statutes 219.383 subd. 3. This statute does not apply to cities of the first class (Duluth, Minneapolis, Rochester and St. Paul) who may enact their own ordinances regulating street obstructions.
Blocked crossings should be reported to the railroads at the contact number listed on the blue and white Emergency Notification System sign at the crossing, as train dispatchers may be able to resolve the problem. Provide the dispatcher with the USDOT crossing identifier located on the sign.
The local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the crossing area may also be notified about non-compliance with the blocked crossing statute or ordinance.