Right of Way (ROW) Encroachment
Metrolink’s Track & Signal (T&S) Department is responsible for maintaining the safety, reliability, and performance of the regional rail system’s track and signal infrastructure. This essential team ensures that train operations run smoothly and safely for all passengers.
In addition to performing routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs of tracks and signals, the T&S Department manages and approves third-party access to the Metrolink Right of Way (ROW). All third-party projects, including utility work, construction, or inspections near active train tracks, must meet strict safety protocols and comply with Metrolink guidelines, as well as state and federal rail safety regulations. The department ensures that all external activities are fully coordinated to maintain system integrity and compatibility with Metrolink’s infrastructure and operations.
Encroachment Permit
If you have a project that will be conducted on or within close proximity of the Metrolink Right of Way, we recommend submission of an application at least 3 months prior to the start of work (at least 6 months if a new or modification to an existing license agreement is needed). An application fee will be required at the time of submission. Expedited review is available for a higher fee.
To get started, we recommend that you review the following documents:
- SCRRA Right of Way Encroachment Process (Updated 01-01-2024)
- Right of Way Encroachments FAQ (Updated 07-07-2025)
- Schedule of Fees for Third Party Construction (Updated 08-01-2024)
- Site Specific Work Plan (SSWP)
- SCRRA Form No. 37 – Rules and Requirements for Construction on Railway Property
Next, determine how many days on the rail right-of-way are needed for your project. If the duration is less than 180 days, please apply through:
If the duration is greater than 180 days, please contact [email protected] to begin the application process.
Additional Resources
- SCRRA Form No. 5 – Indemnification and Assumption of Liability Agreement (Updated 01-30-2024)
- SCRRA Form No. 6 – Temporary Right-of-Entry Agreement (Updated 01-30-2024)
- Train Traffic Density Exhibit for SCRRA System (Updated 01-29-2019)
Oversized Loads Over a Railroad Crossing
When planning a route for an oversized load over a railroad crossing, please fill out SCRRA Form No. 4 - Agreement for Moving Oversized Loads over Highway-Rail Grade Crossings, and submit to [email protected].
- SCRRA Form No. 4 – Agreement for Moving Oversized Loads over Highway-Rail Grade Crossings (Updated 03-13-2023)
The move may require fees for railroad flagging protection and/or temporary relocation of crossing warning devices.
Events or Parades Across a Railroad Crossing
For planned events, such as a marathon, fair, or parade, occurring over or near a Railroad Crossing, please fill out SCRRA Form No. 7 - Special Events Railroad Crossing Notification and submit it to [email protected] at least one week prior to the event.
- SCRRA Form No. 7 – Special Events Railroad Crossing Notification (Updated 03-13-2023)
This form is not intended to be used to request access for any construction activities, surveying, potholing, boring, environmental analysis, filming, photography, or other activities requiring a Right-of-Way Encroachment agreement.
The SCRRA Form No. 7 notification will alert our Operations Department, which will slow trains operating through the crossing during the scheduled event. SCRRA highly recommends that events designate event staff or volunteers to monitor patrons at the crossing during the event. Please review the Handout for important information.
Communications & Signal Markout Request
SCRRA is not a member of DIGALERT. A Communications & Signal (C&S) markout will be required for any digging, excavation, or underground work within the railroad right of way.
C&S markouts will be completed within 15 days of receiving fees and a completed C&S Cable Markout Form.
Right of Way Access Updates
Starting March 2025, SCRRA will be conducting a review of all access points into the right-of-way. Notices will be posted near access points. If you believe you are legally entitled to access (e.g., lock and or key) to the railroad right-of-way, please call 888-446-9721.
Any lock that is not claimed will be removed.
Contact Information
In case of emergency or to report issues with the highway-rail at-grade crossing, call the 24-hour SCRRA Communications & Signal Emergency Line at (888) 446-9721.
To raise a concern or to dispute a rejected submittal, please email [email protected]
| Name | Role | |
|
Fiailoa AhSue |
Assistant Director, Track & Structures Maintenance |
|
|
Eric Reese |
Right-Of-Way Coordinator |
Resources
- Process and Procedures
- Right of Way Encroachments FAQ (Updated 07-07-2025)
- SCRRA Right of Way Encroachment Process (Updated 01-01-2024)
- Schedule of Fees for Third Party Construction (Updated 08-01-2024)
- Site Specific Work Plan
- Right of Entry Encroachment Forms
- SCRRA Form No. 4 – Agreement for Moving Oversized Loads over Highway-Rail Grade Crossings (Updated 03-13-2023)
- SCRRA Form No. 5 – Indemnification and Assumption of Liability Agreement (Updated 01-30-2024)
- SCRRA Form No. 6 – Temporary Right-of-Entry Agreement (Updated 01-30-2024)
- SCRRA Form No. 7 – Special Events Railroad Crossing Notification (Updated 03-13-2023)
- SCRRA Form No. 37 – Rules and Requirements for Construction on Railway Property
- Signal and Communication Cable Mark Out Form
- Train Traffic Density
- Train Traffic Density Exhibit for SCRRA System (Updated 01-29-2019)