Positive Train Control Extension Signed Into Law

Press Release

Congressman Kevin Cramer announced today President Obama signed into law an extension to the Dec. 31 Positive Train Control or PTC deadline for railroads. It was included in a short-term extension of federal highway and transit authorization until Nov.20.

Railroads now have until the end of 2018 to work on the automated train conversion. They will also have the option of requesting an extra two years to work on the installation if they submit plans for doing the work by Dec. 31, 2018. Freight railroads and Amtrak warned if the PTC deadline was not extended they would be forced, as soon as November, to begin rerouting rail traffic, potentially resulting in a massive disruption of the nation's rail service.

"This extension ensures there will be no interruption in freight and passenger rail service in the nation," said Cramer. "Railroads need to make sure they use this extension wisely to ensure they meet the new PTC deadline."

On Oct. 13, the Congressman appeared on Valley News Live's Point of View and discussed the Positive Train Control Deadline and the impact of failing to extend the deadline would have on North Dakota and the nation's economy. Click on the image below to view the interview.

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