Rail Regulations

Iowa DOT is the primary rail regulator within the state of Iowa. However, the Iowa DOT has limited regulatory authority. It participates in the railroad abandonment process and offers comments on federal rail legislation and rulemaking. When applicable, the Iowa DOT can facilitate service disputes between shippers and carriers through the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

FENCING

Railroads are required to construct and maintain fences to specific standards on each side of the right-of-way in order to keep livestock off the tracks (Iowa Code 327G.3).  If a railroad fails to fence, the railroad is subject to penalties and is liable for any livestock losses. Complaints concerning fencing should be addressed directly to the railroad. The Office of Rail Transportation can provide the appropriate railroad contact information.

VEGETATION

Iowa Code Section 327F.27 requires railroads to control vegetation along railroad rights-of-way for various safety, but not aesthetic, reasons. Residents concerned about uncontrolled vegetation growth are advised to contact the railroad to discuss the problem. The Office of Rail Transportation can assist with the appropriate railroad contact. If the problem is unresolved, complaints about uncontrolled vegetation can be reported to the county attorney for enforcement.

Governing Authorities

Links to federal and state policymaking authorities that govern the actions of the Iowa DOT's Rail Transportation Bureau along with related resources.

Federal legislative resources

United States House of Representatives
United States Senate
Iowa rail map with federal legislative districts and contacts
Thomas - The Library of Congress' source for federal legislative information, including bill search, Congressional Record, U.S. Code, and other resources.
Federal Register - The official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential documents.

Iowa legislative resources

Iowa General Assembly
Iowa rail map with Iowa House of Representatives districts and contacts
Iowa rail map with Iowa Senate districts and contacts
Track state legislation
Iowa laws - Iowa Code and Iowa Administrative Code

Iowa Executive Branch

Iowa Department of Transportation

Iowa Transportation Commission

Railroad Employee Safety

RAILROAD EMPLOYEE SAFETY

Though most employee safety related regulations are governed by other agencies (Federal Railroad Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and others) a number of Iowa Code sections are directly related to railroad employee safety. Concerns or complaints related to the following Iowa Code sections are reportable to the Iowa DOT.

To file a complaint relative to the above code sections:

Complainant files a petition/letter outlining the complaint in sufficient detail. A complaint is to be sent to the Iowa Department of Transportation, Office of Rail Transportation, 800 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50014.
The Iowa DOT logs in the complaint, provides a copy to the railroad and forwards the complaint to the Iowa Department of Inspection and Appeals (DIA) for a hearing.
DIA follows administrative hearings process and renders a decision.
DIA sends case, with decision, back to the Iowa DOT. The Iowa DOT informs the complainant and railroad of the decision.
Within 30 days, either party can appeal. If appealed, the Iowa DOT reviews the case file and renders a decision through the administrative appeals process. If the decision is not appealed, the DIA decision stands.

Iowa Rail