BNSF recognizes 6 state DOTs for rail crossing safety

BNSF Railway has honored six state departments of transportation (DOTs) with 2026 Tracking to Zero awards, which recognize organizations committed to improving grade crossing safety.

Montana, Wyoming, Alabama, Iowa, Missouri and New Mexico all averaged less than one crossing incident per 1 million train miles traveled in their respective states, confirmed by Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) data, BNSF officials said in a press release. The number of states meeting the award criteria has increased by one each year since BNSF created the award in 2024.

“The success of Tracking to Zero shows that lasting safety improvements happen when partners unite around one common purpose,” said BNSF Assistant Director of Public Projects Rich Scott. “The achievements of these six states set an important benchmark, and BNSF is committed to building on that progress by engaging even more communities in the years ahead.”

Actions taken by the winning state DOTs to improve crossing safety include eliminating crossings, enhancing signal systems, piloting new crossing safety technologies, utilizing both state and federal funding to maximize crossing safety improvements, prioritizing community education and implementing measures to reduce trespassing.

Across BNSF’s 32,500-mile network, the incident frequency ratio at crossings dropped 4.5% between 2024 and 2025 and is the lowest since 2021. 

In-person award ceremonies will be held at each state DOT headquarters.