State, federal inspectors looking at Columbia River Gorge tracks

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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Oregon DOT

Inspectors from state and federal agencies in Oregon and Washington state are conducting track inspections along the Columbia River Gorge rail line this week between Vancouver and Pasco, Wash.

 

The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) has sent two federally-certified track inspectors to work with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on inspections of the BNSF tracks on the Washington side of the Columbia River. The Oregon Department of Transportation inspectors will aid in the inspections of the Union Pacific track line on the Oregon side of the river.

The agencies are conducting the inspections to ensure all federal track safety standards are met. The inspections come in response to the June 3 oil train derailment in Mosier, Ore., where 16 cars carrying crude oil bound for Tacoma, Wash., derailed and four caught fire. Union Pacific said last week that broken bolts on a curve may be the reason for the accident.

The UTC regulates railroad safety, including approving new grade crossings and closing or altering existing rail crossings, investigating train accidents, inspecting railroad crossings, approving safety projects and managing rail safety education through Operation Lifesaver.

In addition, the commission partners with the FRA to perform inspections of track, hazardous materials, signal and train control, operating practices and locomotive power and equipment.

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