Right of Entry

New fees:

For close to two decades NCRR was able to avoid assessing fees associated with right of entry permits. The goal was to ensure safe, efficient access to the corridor could be granted to those who need it.  NCRR still has a commitment to this goal and knows our partners do as well.  However, with constantly increasing development pressure along our railroad corridor NCRR has found that it is no longer sustainable and must begin associating a fee with right of entry permits.  NCRR will be introducing right of entry permit fees to $250, to address administrative costs associated with processing applications and managing the permits.

How

What to expect:

• Submit application to NCRR with fee
• NCRR will process application, discuss with applicant
• NCRR routes paperwork for signature (three parties: NCRR, NS, applicant)
  • Applicant executes ROE paperwork and provides necessary insurance as specified in ROE
  • NCRR executes ROE and forwards to operating railroad for approval
  • NCRR distributes final, signed documentation to all parties
• Right of entry permit is active and applicant can conduct work by coordinating with operating railroad personnel

When

Please consider the time and cost associated with the right of entry application process when pursuing new projects, negotiating contracts, or providing estimates.  Any proposals or estimates should include fees associated with ROE permits on NCRR, or any railroad, in order to provide the best possible service to your client/customer.   Make sure that your prospective customer knows that the project requires access to the rail corridor and what it entails so that they may adequately compare competing proposals and ensure all prospective bidders are proposing to complete the work in the most safe and legal manner possible without unforeseen costs or schedule delays.

Plan ahead

The right of entry application process takes time in that it is a three party agreement between the applicant, NCRR, and the operating railroad.  NCRR has made, and continue to make, changes to our procedures to improve the process where we can.  Regardless, access to the railroad corridor is not something that is taken lightly and requires paperwork, planning, proper insurance, and coordination to ensure the safety of your project team, the general public, and those operating the railroad.

Additional Safety Information

For additional information about safety and access near a rail corridor, please reference NCRR’s booklet, https://www.ncrr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/NCRR.railsafety.booklet.pdf to ensure applicants understand why a ROE is required and the risk they take when conducting work without proper documentation.

 

• Right of Entry Application Form

  Application Form