RAIL PLANNING

Established and incorporated in the Nevada Department of Transportation Planning Division, the Rail Planning Section is responsible for helping ensure that Nevada's freight and passenger rail infrastructure and services address the transportation needs of the state and improve the safety for the citizens of Nevada.

NDOT prepares and administers the State Rail Plan. This plan provides a comprehensive planning framework, consistent with state goals and objectives for quality of life, safety, and environmental/economic sustainability. It identifies the needs and opportunities for rail infrastructure in the state, and evaluates and prioritizes projects for inclusion in the overall state transportation improvement program. The State Rail Plan also complies with federal requirements for funding eligibility and integration into the overall federal rail program.

The Public Utilities commission of Nevada has a Rail Safety Program as Party of the state’s participation program with the United States Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration. The Commission employs inspection personnel in the following disciplines:

• hazardous materials
• operation practices
• track
• equipment
  

The Federal Railroad Administration's primary function is ensuring the safety of the nation's approximately 700 railroads. The FRA strategically monitors the nation's rail system for compliance with federal safety regulations, utilizes a variety of methods to encourage railroads and shippers to meet or exceed federal regulations, and rectifies all defects and violations in the most timely manner possible. The FRA oversees railroad compliance of more than 2,000 regulations by conducting routine and targeted inspections, audits and special assessments of railroad operations.