Press Release

PUC Initiates Safety Investigation of SR22/322 Railroad Crossing in Dauphin County

Published on 9/17/2015

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today initiated an investigation into all safety-related issues involving a crossing in Dauphin County where SR22/322 crosses underneath tracks of the Norfolk Southern Railway Company.

The Commission voted 5-0 to conduct the investigation.

The crossing, located in Dauphin Borough, will be studied to evaluate whether the existing conditions are adequate to prevent accidents and promote safety of the traveling public. The investigation will also address the future disposition of the crossing and the cost allocation of any work that may be ordered.

Per the Order approved today by the Commission, the PUC’s safety investigation will include numerous agencies, utilities and organizations with a potential interest in the crossing. 

Under Pennsylvania statute, the PUC has exclusive jurisdiction over the construction, relocation, suspension and abolition of public highway-railroad crossings. The Commission’s Rail Safety Engineers oversee highway-railroad crossings throughout Pennsylvania – including approximately 5,600 at-grade crossings, where public roads cross railroad track; along with 3,200 bridge crossings, involving bridges carrying public roads over railroads; bridges carrying railroads over public roads; and bridges carrying railroads over other railroads.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Docket No.: I-2015-2499361

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov