Richardson, TX
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How to Report Railroad Vegetation Concerns
The City of Richardson has received neighborhood concerns regarding vegetation growth along railroad rights-of-way in the community, particularly along rail corridors now operated by Canadian Pacific Kansas City, also known as CPKC.
Before the 2023 merger of Kansas City Southern and Canadian Pacific, residents may have observed more frequent mowing and right-of-way maintenance along certain rail corridors. Since the merger, residents have raised concerns about the appearance of vegetation along the rail line and its impact on nearby neighborhoods.
The City is limited in its ability to adopt or enforce local ordinances requiring a railroad company to mow or maintain railroad property for general aesthetic purposes.
What the City Can and Cannot Do
- Share resident concerns with railroad, state and federal contacts.
- Monitor concerns reported by neighborhoods.
- Report or elevate issues when vegetation appears to involve public safety.
- Require a railroad company to mow its right-of-way for appearance only
- Enforce local vegetation standards on railroad property
- Require maintenance beyond the safety-related areas covered by federal or state rule
Report General Vegetation or Neighborhood Concerns to CPKC
For general vegetation, mowing, appearance, or non-emergency neighborhood concerns involving CPKC property, residents are asked to contact CPKC directly.
- Nearest railroad crossing
- Street address or nearby landmark
- Track location, if known
- Photos, if available
- Description of the concern
Report Railroad Safety Concerns to the Federal Railroad Administration
The Federal Railroad Administration handles railroad safety and compliance concerns. FRA’s vegetation safety rule applies when vegetation on or immediately adjacent to the railroad creates safety issues.
Examples of safety-related vegetation concerns include vegetation that:- Creates a fire hazard to railroad structures
- Blocks railroad signs or signals
- Blocks visibility at a highway-rail crossing
- Interferes with railroad employees performing normal trackside duties
- Affects signal or communication lines
- Prevents railroad employees from visually inspecting moving equipment
Online: FRA Alleged Violation Reporting Form
Report Crossing or Driver Visibility Concerns to TxDOT
The Texas Department of Transportation is the recommended state contact when vegetation affects a railroad crossing, rail-highway safety, or driver sight distance. This requirement is specific to 250 feet each way from the centerline of a public grade crossing. It does not require general mowing or right-of-way maintenance beyond the crossing-related boundary.
Phone: 1-800-440-0376
E-mail: AskTxDOT@txdot.gov
Online: TxDOT complaints form
Elected Official Contacts
Residents with concerns about vegetation maintenance along area railways may also share their concerns with their federal and state representatives. Because Richardson includes portions of Dallas County and Collin County, residents should verify their representatives by address.