How many times a week do you drive over a railroad track? Train tracks crisscross Cleveland neighborhoods, meaning many of us cross tracks on the way to work, school or for a night out on the town.
In Ohio, there are 5,700 highway-rail crossings – where the street meets train tracks – and 44 freight railroads carrying goods, not passengers. There are roughly 5,600 miles of active freight railroad track in the state.
A question that has been raised by some Cleveland residents: Are the train tracks and bridges in the city safe?
According to the 2025 Rail Safety Overview Report, there were 8,938 train accidents/incidents in the United States last year. If you encounter hazardous conditions on or near train tracks in the Cleveland area, it is important to report them immediately to the appropriate authority to ensure public safety. But knowing who to call can be confusing because several agencies oversee railroad safety.
Who do I call to report dangerous train tracks in Cleveland?
For situations that pose an immediate danger to life, property or traffic flow, contact the Cleveland Police Department.
However, the City of Cleveland does not have jurisdiction over trains or rails for serious issues like derailments or collisions.
Northeast Ohio is primarily served by two major freight carriers: Norfolk Southern (NS) and CSX Transportation. All railroad crossings and segments of track have emergency contact information posted on a marker near the crossing, said Matt Schilling, a spokesperson for Ohio’s Public Utilities Commission. This sign is part of the federal Crossing Inventory and provides the specific railroad’s emergency hotline and crossing ID number.
When speaking to a dispatcher from a freight carrier, providing the crossing ID number can expedite the process. If you are unable to locate a marker, you can provide the dispatcher with a street intersection for them to identify the appropriate tracks.
Issues that are considered an immediate danger include:
- Train derailment
- Vehicle stuck on the tracks
- Blocked crossings
- Downed power line(s)
- Collisions
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Who do I call to report non-emergency train hazards or maintenance issues?
For less urgent issues that still require attention, contact the specific railroad company responsible for that line.
Common non-emergency issues include:
- Malfunctioning warning lights/gates
- Cracked rails
- Debris on tracks
- Overgrown greenery
- Trespassing
What is the Federal Rail Administration, and what does it do?
The Department of Transportation Act established the Federal Rail Administration (FRA) in 1966. The FRA oversees railroad safety nationwide. It is one of 10 agencies in the U.S. Department of Transportation concerned with intermodal transportation, which is transportation that uses two different methods (train to truck, for example) to move freight long distances.
The FRA creates and enforces safety regulations, conducts inspections, provides funding for infrastructure improvements, researches new rail technologies and passenger service.
However, other agencies are also involved in rail safety. The state’s Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is responsible for early-warning systems at what are called highway rail crossings, where the street meets train tracks, Schilling told Signal Cleveland.
For repeated problems or concerns about compliance with safety regulations, you can file a formal complaint with the FRA.
You can file a confidential complaint regarding track conditions, railroad worker issues, or safety violations. You may file a complaint online by filling out an alleged violation reporting form.
What happens after a complaint is filed?
It depends on the nature of the alleged violation or complaint. If more information is required to investigate, the Office of Railroad Safety will ask for additional information. The FRA only investigates things that fall under their regulatory purview.