A once-in-a-generation opportunity for New Haven

Congress Can Help Reconnect New Haven. Show Your Support for the BUILD America 250 Act.

Broadway Crossing · New Haven, IN

New Haven can't fine the railroad that divides our city, and neither can the State of Indiana. The courts have ruled that only Congress has that authority. Right now, the bipartisan BUILD America 250 Act is before Congress, and it's the first real opportunity in years to change that. Add your name and tell Congress New Haven is ready.

Support the BUILD America 250 Act → Why Only Congress Can Act →
A stopped train blocking a crossing in downtown New Haven, Indiana
22
average gate activations/
day at Broadway
6.85 min
average length
of each closure
3,100
communities nationwide
facing this problem
0
residents standing
with Mayor McMichael
The Legal Reality

New Haven Can't Regulate the Railroad. Neither Can Indiana.

Indiana law once limited how long a railroad could block a crossing. In 2018, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled that federal law preempts that state statute entirely; no city or state in America can fine a railroad for blocking a crossing. Only Congress can change how railroads operate.

That's why this campaign exists. If we support the BUILD America 250 Act, we tell Congress we have their back as they help us take the first step toward solving this problem.

Read the decision: State of Indiana v. Norfolk Southern Railway Co. (Ind. 2018) →
What's Happening

Every Day in New Haven

At the Broadway crossing, gates go down an average of 22 times a day. Most closures last a few minutes, but when that happens, parts of New Haven are effectively cut off from the rest.

Learn more →
The Opportunity

The BUILD America 250 Act Is Before Congress Now

The BUILD America 250 Act is a federal transportation package that includes the Railway Safety Act, which provides funding and accountability measures for communities that live alongside active rail lines, like ours. Passing it is the necessary first step before New Haven can pursue any local project addressing our crossings, including a potential pedestrian bridge on Broadway, which the city is separately pursuing through its own grant application.

Read about the legislation →
Steve McMichael, Mayor of New Haven, Indiana
Stand With Mayor McMichael

Mayor Steve McMichael is asking every New Haven resident to add their name. Senators Jim Banks and Todd Young, along with Congressman Marlin Stutzman, need to hear that New Haven supports the BUILD America 250 Act. And they need to hear it from you.

"Our administration shares the frustration of our residents and business owners when it comes to trains blocking our intersections. New Haven can't fix this on our own; federal law doesn't allow it. The BUILD America 250 Act, including the Railway Safety Act, is our best opportunity to hold railroads accountable and open the door to future funding for communities like ours. But Congress needs to hear it from every one of us. Join me in supporting passage of the BUILD America 250 Act."

Steve McMichael, Mayor of New Haven

Sign the Petition →
The Deadline

The House must pass the BUILD America 250 Act before September 30, or key transportation programs will expire. Congress needs to hear from New Haven before that vote.

Read why it matters →
Get Involved

Ways to Help

1

Take action

Signing takes under a minute, and sends your message straight to Congress.

Sign now →
2

Share with a neighbor

Every New Haven signature makes the case stronger. Share this page with someone who should know.

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