The Oregon Department of Transportation Commerce and Compliance Division oversees Oregon rail operations to ensure the structural safety of railroad cars, equipment, track, crossings, signals and to maintain a safe environment for railroad employees. We also monitor the safety compliance of light rail, streetcar and trolley service providers.
See our
latest video on rail crossing safety and help us spread the word: your life is worth the wait! Don't get impatient. Stand back at the crossing and wait until the gates, lights or bells are deactivated and you receive the green light or walk signal.
Feel free to download and print these crossing safety posters and tips:
Acting as an agent for the Federal Railroad Administration, or FRA, we inspect track, railroad equipment and cars, hazardous materials, signals and train control, crossing and trespasser outreach and operating practices.
Learn more about the five rail safety disciplines and the work of our inspectors at the
FRA Safety website.
Questions? Contact our Rail Compliance Inspector at 503-383-6611.
We have authority over Oregon's public highway-railroad grade crossings (where a railroad and a roadway cross at the same level). Just like intersecting roads have stop signs or traffic signals, grade crossings have control devices such as warning signs, crossbucks, pavement markings, gates and flashing lights.
Learn more about the process to request a new crossing, modify an existing crossing or close a crossing.
We oversee safety and security of transit agencies operating rail-fixed guideway systems, such as light rail, streetcars and trolleys.
These systems are regulated through the Federal Transit Administration's State Safety Oversight Program under 49 CFR 673 and 49 CFR 674. Learn more at the
State Safety Oversight Program website.
Questions? Contact our
Rail Regulatory
Program Branch Manager at 503-476-6863.
We work to ensure a safe work environment for railroad employees performing track-side duties. Our Employee Safety Compliance Specialists:
- Perform on-site inspections of all railroads and rail facilities in Oregon.
- Regulate minimum clearance and walkway standards along railroad tracks.
- Required signage, water quality standards and first aid kits on locomotives and cabooses.
Contact our Employee Safety Specialists
South of Salem — 503-551-0488
North of Salem — 503-475-7840
On December 1, 2016, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) received a letter from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), specifying that the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, Section 11401, requires the FRA to issue regulations requiring states to develop a State Grade Crossing Action Plan. The letter was ODOT Rail and Public Transit Division's (RPTD) notification of the requirement to develop a State Grade Crossing Action Plan.
A partnership effort between the RPTD and the Transportation Development Division, Planning Unit, has been initiated to help develop the State Grade Crossing Action Plan. The State Grade Crossing Action Plan is intended to identify how Oregon is to assess rail crossing incident locations, identify, prioritize and develop strategies to address rail crossing safety issues and provide a framework to identify locations for improvements.
Questions? Contact our Rail Regulatory Program Branch Manager at 503-476-6863.