*Galesburg, Michigan* — BNSF freight trains are blocking railroad crossings across Galesburg for hours at a time, stranding motorists, delaying emergency responders, and frustrating residents who say the railroad has not offered adequate solutions.

The problem stretches across multiple crossings in the city, from South Henderson Street near Main Street, east through Academy Street, Broad Street, Prairie Street, Chambers Street, and Whitesboro Street.

"A true partnership means being responsive to the concerns of the people who live and work alongside your operations."

Those are the words of Heather Acerra, Ward 5 City Council member for Galesburg, who represents the ward most impacted by the blockages. Acerra operates a business located next to the North Prairie Street crossing and says she witnesses the blockages firsthand and regularly.

Acerra told WGIL 93.7 FM that some blockages last three to four hours. She says the delays create real hardships for motorists and pedestrians alike. One pedestrian recently called WGIL after being stranded by a blocked crossing and unable to reach the nearest overpass on foot.

Federal rules leave local officials with limited leverage

The City of Galesburg confirmed the issue in a statement provided by Cathy St. George, Assistant City Manager for Community Engagement and Public Information Officer.

According to the city, federal authority to regulate train movement is delegated exclusively to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration, which does not currently impose time limits on stopped trains. The city noted that the Illinois Supreme Court has ruled that states cannot enforce their own time limits because federal authority exceeds local restrictions.

"The City is aware of the ongoing concerns regarding prolonged train stoppages that block crossings in our community. We understand the frustration these blockages cause for motorists, and we share the community's desire for a swift resolution."

The city said it is in regular communication with BNSF leadership regarding the disruptions.

BNSF calls the community its top employer

The city acknowledged BNSF's economic importance to Galesburg, noting the railroad provides over 1,000 jobs and drives significant economic impact throughout the region. However, the city said the frequency of the delays is disrupting daily commerce and causing frustration for residents.

The city said it continues to press BNSF leadership for solutions to trains blocking crossings for prolonged periods.

Emergency response concerns

While the city said its public safety and emergency response teams utilize alternative routes to ensure services remain uncompromised, Acerra disagrees.

She says the blockages add critical minutes to emergency response times that can make a meaningful difference in life-safety situations. While overpasses and underpasses exist in the city, Acerra argues they do not fully mitigate the risk.

What residents can do

The city encouraged residents who encounter a blocked crossing to report the stoppage directly to the railroad. Every crossing features a visible blue sign with a direct contact number and a unique crossing identification number. Residents can also report online via fra.dot.gov/blockedcrossings.

The city said reporting these instances directly helps the railroad track and address specific problem areas. It can also potentially bolster future requests for funding for grade separation projects at reported locations.

BNSF's response

BNSF Media provided a statement to WGIL on Friday afternoon.

"BNSF trains operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We do our best to limit the amount of time any crossing is blocked."

The railroad said when trains experience situations that force them to stop, BNSF works to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. The railroad noted that mechanical issues require trains to remain stopped until it is safe to move again.

BNSF directed the public to its 24/7 emergency operations center at 1-800-832-5452 for railroad crossing emergencies.

On the question of new infrastructure such as overpasses, BNSF said it is fundamentally a local discussion between residents and the road authority. The railroad said it stands ready to work with the local community if a workable solution is brought forward.

Acerra is calling on BNSF to come to the table and explain its operational constraints.

"Galesburg deserves better than silence. I am calling on BNSF to come to the table, explain their operational constraints, and work with us in good faith toward a solution that respects both their business needs and the safety and quality of life of our residents."

# Tags

  • BNSF
  • Galesburg
  • Railroad crossings
  • City Council
  • Transportation
  • Heather Acerra