Blocked crossing laws
How long can a train block a crossing in Alaska?
Alaska law limits a train to 5 minutes blocking a road crossing, under 13 AAC 02.532. We found no Alaska court ruling on this limit. Courts elsewhere have held similar limits preempted by federal law, so it may not be enforceable against railroads. Checked 16 October 2026.
The rule
An Alaska state regulation says no one may run a train or crossing gate in a way that keeps vehicles from using a road for more than five minutes in a row, with a few exceptions.
Exceptions and local rules
A train may block longer than five minutes when needed to comply with train signals, to avoid striking an object or person on the track, when the train is disabled, when the train is moving, or when no vehicles are waiting to use the crossing. The rule applies except as otherwise provided by federal laws or regulations.
Except as otherwise provided by federal laws or regulations, no person may operate a train or railroad crossing gate or signal device in a manner which prevents vehicular use of a roadway for a period of time in excess of five consecutive minutes except
Does federal law override it?
No federal law sets a time limit for a train blocking a crossing. Federal law does control how railroads run trains, and courts have used it to set aside state time limits.
When a court holds a state limit preempted, the state cannot enforce it against the railroad. A limit no court has ruled on is still on the books, but railroads may challenge it the same way.
Where to report a blocked crossing
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) takes blocked crossing reports from the public for every state.
Report to the FRA blocked crossing reporter
We found no Alaska state page for blocked crossing reports, so the FRA reporter is the place to report.
If a train is blocking the crossing right now, call the railroad on the number shown on the blue sign at the crossing.
Crossings in Alaska
Alaska has 165 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.