Maintaining train traffic and avoiding damage to railroad facilities are key a good relationship with railroad companies. Their goal is to keep freight and passengers moving and on schedule. Anything you do to negatively impact their operations can affect their viability as a company.

Before you start work, make sure your agreement with the railroad is in place and that your field staff has railroad safety training. Send the contract provisions to your insurance carrier to make sure you are carrying railroad protective insurance in the required amounts. This will cover you when working within the railroad right of way.

Once you’ve started work, here are some tips to help you avoid interfering with traffic and damaging railroad facilities.

• Coordinate with your designated railroad contact and make arrangements for a flagger to be on site when they’re needed.
• Prior to digging, contact Dig Safely New York (One Call) and the railroad. Many railroads are not members of One Call, so you may need to work with several departments. Make sure you allow enough lead time for the different groups to schedule their stake outs.
• As a condition of your permit, you’ll likely be required to minimize or eliminate the need to work in the Railroad Area (see sidebar with adjacent article). Be prepared, as you may be required to use specialty equipment, potentially at a higher cost to you, to minimize disruptions.
• Nothing may be stored in the railroad area; this includes equipment, materials, and tools. Inspect the area at the end of the day to be sure that nothing has been left. Also check excavations to make sure they’re filled in.
• You’ll need written approval to use a railroad service road. Vehicles using these roads cannot be parked in the Railroad Area. Access roads to, and across, the tracks must not be blocked or disrupted.
• Don’t foul the track ballast with earth, mud, or other matter. You may need to construct temporary erosion control measures or sheeting to prevent this.
• If you use a private grade crossing or sidetrack facilities, the conditions of use will be detailed in your permit. The facilities will likely
  need to be restored to the condition that existed prior to your use.

If you’re in charge of construction operations, it’s your responsibility to oversee the presence of people, equipment, and material in the Railroad Area. You’ll be responsible for the cost of delays or interruptions to railroad operations. You’ll also be responsible for paying for any damage to their property or facilities. These tips will help you be vigilant and avoid these issues and expenses.