Where is the Coos Bay Rail Line (CBRL)?
The Coos Bay Rail Line is 134 miles of track between Coquille and Eugene.

Why is CBRL called a short line railroad?
A short line railroad is a small or mid-sized railroad that operates a relative short distance compared to larger, national railroad networks. The term is primarily used in the United States and Canada. There are approximately 600 short line railroads in 48 states, and they are particularly critical as the “first and last mile” service. Which means they function frequently as the first and or/often final link between suppliers and customers who require critical goods and freight.

How many trains are currently active on the CBRL?
On average there are two trains per day that are 1,500 feet long. 

What is on the trains?
Mixed freight. Largely forest products. But we continue our efforts to diversify our materials contingent on demand from our customers. Forest products remain one of the top ten exported products in Oregon by volume and value.

Why do locomotive blast their horns, sometimes scaring the dickens out of us?
The horn, known commonly as a train whistle, is a crucial tool to alert pedestrians, motorists, and other vehicles of an approaching train. It is mandated by the Federal Rail Authority. Here are some common reasons you hear a whistle:

-          Warning at crossings. Train horns are sounded at crossings to warn those around of an approaching train. This helps prevent accidents, especially if visibility is limited or barriers are not present.

-          Clearing the track. Train horns are sounded to warn animals or people, giving them time to move to safety.

-          Communications with Railroad Workers. Train horns are also used as a means of communication between crew members on different parts of the train or with workers at the rail yards.

-          Emergency Situations. If there is an equipment malfunction or other hazard on the track, train horns may be used to alert nearby individuals or other trains to danger.

All of these guidelines are set by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The FRA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation responsible for overseeing railroad safety, including those related to train operations, equipment, and infrastructure. These regulations are designed to standardize safety practices across the railroad industry and help protect both railroad employees and the general public.

At a crossing, generally you will hear 2 long whistles, followed by a short and a long whistle. They are sounded based off the speed and size of the train and its proximity to a crossing.

Rest assured, train engineers and conductors don’t want to hear horns any more than you do. But they also want you to be safe.

What is a quiet zone?
A local government can work to create a “quiet zone”. Please note that only a “public authority” can initiate a “quiet zone” and they can be challenging to create. They will not completely eliminate train noises or the need for whistles. For more information:
https://railroads.dot.gov/railroad-safety/divisions/highway-rail-crossing-and-trespasser-programs/train-horn-rulequiet-zones

How reliable are the warning devices at tracks?
Every public crossing with warning devices are required to be tested monthly, quarterly and annually to ensure proper operation. They run off batteries to ensure reliability even when there are issues with power in the area.

What should we do if we encounter a gate that is "stuck" or for some reason we can’t pass?
Each crossing has a number on the housing that has an identifying crossing number and a contact number. Call that number for assistance.

How fast can a train go on the Coos Bay Rail Line?
CBRL trains generally go between 5 and 10 miles an hour.

Are there trains going between Coos Bay and Coquille? There used to be trains there.
Currently there are not trains going between Coos Bay and Coquille, but that could change in the future.

Are there best practices to follow when encountering a railway crossing?
Absolutely! Here are some best practices for encountering a railway crossing:

-Obey warning signs and signals. These are in place to alert you to the presence of trains and indicate when it is safe.

- Stop, Look, Listen. Stop your vehicle at least 15 feet away from the railway tracks when the warning signals are activated. Look both ways along the tracks and listen for the sound of an approaching train before proceeding.

- Never try to beat the train.  Even if you think you can beat it, don’t try it. Trains are much faster and heavier than they appear and cannot stop quickly.

- Use extra caution at passive crossings. The CBRL has a lot of these. At crossings without active warning signals or gates, exercise extra caution. Roll down your windows, turn off loud music, and look and listen for approaching trains.

- Watch multiple tracks. Some railway crossings have multiple tracks. Ensure that all tracks are clear before crossing, as another train may be approaching on a different track.

- Avoid stopping on tracks. Never stop your vehicle on the railway tracks, even temporarily.

- Beware of train length. Trains can extend beyond the length of the crossing itself. Make sure there is enough space for your vehicle to clear the tracks completely before proceeding.

- Never walk on railway tracks. It is illegal and extremely dangerous to walk on railway tracks. Always use designated pedestrian crossings or bridges to cross tracks safely.

What kind of ties are used on the railroad?
95% of the railroad ties in America are wood. There are also concrete, steel, and emerging plastic technologies.

Are old ties available to the public?
CBRL ties are currently not available to the public.

Some of those bridges look a little old, how often are they inspected?
Despite the bridges' age, they are well built bridges that we are continually inspecting and upgrading. The Coos Bay Rail Line hired a full-time bridge inspector in 2024. The inspector reviews every bridge annually. There are 121 water crossings that are all inspected.

How much freight moves on the line?
Approximately $500 million worth of freight moves annually on the CBRL.

Why can’t you tell us what is on every train and how fast they are going and where they are headed?
The biggest reason is safety and security. Given the sensitivity of major transportation infrastructure there are serious national security concerns with railroad operations. Much of the daily operational information cannot be distributed publicly due to requirements from federal law enforcement and regulatory agencies. Additionally, railroads operate complex and dynamic networks and train schedules can be subject to frequent changes due to factors such as weather, track conditions, maintenance activities and traffic congestion.

Why are there ongoing repairs happening on the railroad? What am I seeing out there?
You are likely seeing upgrades that are part of the nearly $25 million of grants the Port obtained from state and federal sources in recent years. The Port has invested almost $100 million in the railroad since taking over operations.

How fast might trains go with the new PCIP container terminal?
The trains could increase in speed up to 25 miles per hour. There are many considerations between now and the completion of the project that will factor into the speeds and train volumes. A major component of the project would be upgrades to the entire rail line.

Will current customers be serviced while these upgrades are happening?
The Port intends to do everything in its power to maintain its service to existing customers while making future upgrades.

How does the railroad prioritize safety in its operations?
Safety is CBRL’s top priority. We prioritize safety through regular track inspections, maintenance programs, employee training, and compliance with federal safety regulations. By investing in safety measures, we aim to ensure the well-being of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve. We are in constant communication with the Federal Railway Association and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Can I contact someone if I see something on the railroad that’s concerning? Even if it’s after business hours?
If you have a general inquiry, please submit a question through the Port’s website:
https://www.portofcoosbay.com/contact-us

If there is an emergency, the CBRL has a manager on duty 24 hours a day.
The number goes directly to the individual on call at the time:  1-877-928-5924.

Is there passenger service on the CBRL?
CBRL does not provide passenger service.

What is the Railriders program?
While passenger service does not exist, if you want to experience what it is like to be on the railroad, the City of Coquille has partnered with the Oregon Coast Railriders to provide a unique experience  pedaling a power pedaled quadricycle along an inactive part of the CBRL.

https://www.cityofcoquille.org/

or

https://joyrails.com/ocrailriders/

Do you have questions you don't see answered? Send them our way, and we will do our best!
https://www.portofcoosbay.com/contact-us