DES MOINES, Iowa — An Iowa representative of the SMART-TD union says the union will try again next year to advance a bill that would limit freight train lengths in the state.
House File 2339, introduced last February, was sponsored by outgoing Rep. David Maxwell (R-District 76). It would not allow any train “that exceeds 8,500 feet in length on any part of a railroad,” with penalties of not less than $500 and not more than $5,00 per violation. The Iowa Legislature website does not show it advancing out of committee.
Radio Iowa reports that Chris Smith, state director for SMART-TD, said he and others will return to the statehouse to lobby for the bill next year. Smith, who has worked for Union Pacific for 18 years as a conductor and engineer, said they would be working “to be at the forefront in Iowa and in the United States” to pass the legislation to “help protect its citizens.”
He argues that longer trains are more unsafe, lead to more accidents, and pose a danger by blocking crossings for extended periods; a railroad spokesman says trains of all lengths have been operated safely for years and cites economic benefits to longer trains. The report does not identify the railroad.
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