Reporting Railroad Overgrown Vegetation Concerns

The City of Richardson is providing residents with information about how to report concerns related to vegetation along railroad rights-of-way operated by Canadian Pacific Kansas City, also known as CPKC.

The City has received concerns from neighborhoods regarding vegetation growth along rail corridors. While the City understands the impact these conditions can have on nearby neighborhoods, railroad operations and railroad right-of-way maintenance are subject to federal and state oversight. As a result, the City is limited in its ability to require railroad companies to mow or maintain railroad property for general aesthetic purposes.

Residents with general concerns about vegetation on CPKC property should report those concerns directly to CPKC's Community Connect team, which handles public inquiries and non-emergency neighborhood issues. Residents should include the nearest crossing, address, or track location when submitting a report.

If vegetation creates a railroad safety concern, residents may report the issue to the Federal Railroad Administration through its Alleged Violation Reporting Form. FRA's vegetation safety rule applies to vegetation on or immediately adjacent to the railroad roadbed when it creates safety concerns, such as fire hazards, blocked signs or signals, blocked highway-rail crossing visibility, interference with railroad employees, interference with signal or communication lines, or obstruction of equipment inspections.

Residents may also contact the Texas Department of Transportation for concerns involving railroad crossings, driver sight distance, or rail-highway safety. Texas rules require railroads to control vegetation within 250 feet each way from the centerline of a passive public grade crossing when vegetation blocks motorists' view of approaching trains. This requirement does not extend to general mowing or aesthetic maintenance beyond that crossing-related area.

Residents may use the following contacts:

CPKC Community Connect
Online: CPKC Community Connect Contact Form
Phone: 1-800-766-7912

Federal Railroad Administration
Online: FRA Alleged Violation Reporting Form

Texas Department of Transportation
Phone: 1-800-440-0376
Email: [email protected]
Online: TxDOT complaints form

The City will continue to help residents understand the appropriate reporting channels and will coordinate with railroad, state and federal partners when concerns are brought to the City's attention.

More Information available at www.cor.net/RailroadMaintenance