Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Requiring the Removal of Obstructive Vegetation Near Railroad Crossings

Statement

Governor Phil Murphy today signed legislation that will require railroad operators to remove obstructive vegetation near railroad crossings. The bill (S3425) aims to increase safety for passenger trains and commercial operators, and motorists and pedestrians crossing railroad tracks.

"Vegetation can pose a serious hazard to passenger and commercial train traffic, as well as those crossing railroad tracks," said Governor Murphy. "This legislation will improve safety on our railroads and hold railroad operators responsible for removal of obstructive vegetation at our many railroad crossings."

"NJ TRANSIT's top priority is always the safety of our customers, employees and the public so we support initiatives like this to increase safety for all," said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin Corbett. "Removal of vegetation, especially near grade crossings, enhances the line of sight for our locomotive engineers as well as drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. That's why these efforts have and will continue to be a critical component of our preventative maintenance efforts."

S3425 requires railroad operators to destroy or remove obstructive vegetation upon and within its right-of-way at each intersection with a public road or highway, for 300 feet from the edge of the public road or highway or such other distance that the Commissioner of Transportation determines to be reasonably safe.

Primary sponsors of the bill include Senators Patrick J. Diegnan Jr. and M. Teresa Ruiz, and Assemblymembers Yvonne Lopez, Daniel R. Benson, and BettyLou DeCroce.

"Vegetation impedes the flow of transportation and presents safety hazards whether it be roads with automobiles and schools buses or on the tracks with trains," said Senator Diegnan. "This law will enhance the safety of railroad crossings in the state by providing travelers on the road, or on the track, an unobstructed view while crossing."

"For the safety of the rail riders, train operators and motorists, we must keep our railroad crossings clear of dangerously overgrown vegetation," said Senator Ruiz. "This legislation will remove a potential hazard and reduce the likelihood of accidents."

"Every day, trains weighing hundreds of thousands of pounds traveling at great speeds crisscross the rails throughout our State. As a major transit hub, the safety of our railroads is of paramount importance," said first primary sponsor Assemblywoman Lopez. "Train tracks that are not kept clear of obstruction can prevent inspectors from noticing defects and can limit the visibility of important signage and signals at crossings. New Jersey must address any safety concerns that can place individuals at risk, and ensuring that overgrown vegetation is maintained is one way we can safeguard the wellbeing of operators, passengers and bystanders alike."

"Weeds and trees that have grown too close to train tracks or even begun to extend onto them pose an often-overlooked danger to both commuters and railroad employees," said Assemblyman Benson, chairman of the Assembly Transportation Committee. "This overgrowth can contribute to the degradation of track structure and can cause more injuries among maintenance crews as they work in the vicinity of the tracks. Railroad operators can help prevent these issues by clearing obstructive vegetation along their routes."

"Train conductors and automobile drivers need to be able to see clearly to prevent accidents," said Assemblywoman DeCroce. "This law will help expedite the removal of obstructive brush at dangerous crossings and save lives."

"Clearing vegetation and obstructions from all railroad crossings is just another measure that will keep the driving public, our children, and railroad employees safe," said Jerome Johnson, General Chairman and President of SMART Transportation Division Local 60. "I would like to thank Governor Murphy and the Legislatures for all their efforts protecting the citizens of NJ."

"Excessive vegetation has the potential to cause harm to commuters, railroad workers, and many others," said Ronald Sabol, state legislative director for the SMART Transportation Division. "Thank you to the Governor for signing this important legislation that will improve safety across our statewide rail system."