Skip to Content

Multimodal Transportation Resources - Rail Regulatory and Safety Office

Suite 400 James K. Polk Bldg.
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone (615) 253.1045
Fax: (615) 253.2903
Rick Beals, Transportation Manager 1

Railroad Regulatory Program
Rick Beals, Manager/FRA OP Certified

The goal of the Railroad Regulatory Section is to reduce and eliminate dangerous/hazardous conditions for railroad employees and the general public.  The regulation and enforcement of each discipline is specific to the Code of Federal Regulations in a joint program conducted with the Federal Railroad Administration.  Discipline regulations are found in CFR 49 parts 212 to 240 and the Rail Regulatory Section currently employs inspectors with the following specialties: railroad operating practices, hazardous materials, railroad track, railroad signal and train control.

Request for Traffic Coordination Form (PDF)

The Railroad Regulatory Section oversees:

  • Tennessee Code Annotated (Title 65) and Rules (Part 1680)
  • Partners with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to enforce Federal Railroad Law (CFR Part 49)
  • Signal and train control inspections
  • Track inspections
  • Railroad operating and safety programs and procedures
  • Railroad worker Safety Rail Yard inspections
  • Highway-rail crossing inspections
  • New railroad construction
  • Industrial site walkway & close clearance inspection
  • Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) Responders for railroad emergencies.

Useful Websites

Never go around lowered gates or flashing lights. It is illegal, and they are there for your safety. Lowered gates mean a train is just a few seconds away.