The United States Constitution gives the federal government complete authority over interstate commerce, which includes railroads. So while residents and businesses may get frustrated by the noise and inconvenience that trains can sometimes bring, bringing their complaints to local governments won’t affect change.
In northwest Ohio, state and local governments have no power to regulate railroads since our region has mostly interstate railroads.
Ohio is blessed with a rather extensive network of railroads. Therefore, Ohioans may encounter more train whistles and stopped trains than residents in other parts of the country.
Those of us who grew up around trains may be more accommodating of the engine and whistle noise, vibration, dust and roadblocks associated with trains. However, when patience wears thin, residents and nearby businesses can push their local governments to act. Local governments have virtually no power to affect the inconveniences and safety concerns that may be caused by railroad activity (or inactivity, in the instance of road blockage).
Read more about train noise and road blockage in Lee’s article in the Lima News here: Legal-Ease: Train noise and road blockage
Source: LimaOhio.com, “Legal-Ease: Train noise and road blockage,” by Lee R. Schroeder, September 14, 2019
Lee R. Schroeder is an Ohio licensed attorney at Schroeder Law LLC in Putnam County. He limits his practice to business, real estate, estate planning and agriculture issues in northwest Ohio. He can be reached at Lee@LeeSchroeder.com or at 419-659-2058. This article is not intended to serve as legal advice, and specific advice should be sought from the licensed attorney of your choice based upon the specific facts and circumstances that you face.