Permits & Agreements
The application process for Work Permits and Real Estate Agreements will vary across our rail lines based on the owner of the right of way. Please consult our Right of Entry Flow Chart prior to submitting an application to ensure you are applying to the correct entity.
Please scroll down for links to our application forms and additional information.
Application Forms
Work Permits
To ensure on-track safety, a Work Permit will be required for any entity wishing to access MDDE property.
In order to begin the Work Permit process, please submit a Work Permit Application by clicking on the link below.
A non-refundable document preparation and processing fee of $500.00 must be paid prior to receiving a Work Permit. You will be invoiced upon submitting a completed application form.
Right of Way Agreements
In some cases, a License Agreement or Right of Entry Agreement will be required as a precedent to receiving a Work Permit. Situations that require a License Agreement include, but are not limited to, utility crossings, private grade crossings, right of entry requests, leases, and other permanent encroachments on the railroad right of way.
The process for obtaining a License Agreement will vary for each of our railroads, based on the owner of the right of way. Please consult our Right of Entry Flow Chart prior to submitting an application to ensure you are going through the correct application process.
Please submit a License Agreement Application by clicking on the link below, and one of our team members will be in touch with information on the next steps for your request.
A non-refundable document preparation and processing fee of $1,000.00 applies to License Agreements and Right of Entry Agreements.
Additional Information
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For Work Permits, a non-refundable document preparation and processing fee of $500.00 will apply.
You will be invoiced upon submitting a completed application form.
License Agreements and Right of Entry Agreements are subject to a one-time, non-refundable document preparation and processing fee of $1,000.00 and may be subject to annual fees that vary based on type of occupancy. Fees will be provided after a completed Right of Entry Application has been received and reviewed.
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In most situations, applicants will be require to provide proof of the following types of insurance:
Commercial General Liability Insurance with limits of no less than $2 million per occurrence / $6 million aggregate.
Worker’s Compensation Insurance with limits of no less than $1 million.
Automobile Liability Insurance with limits of no less than $1 million.
If engaging in construction, demolition or other work within 50 feet of the railroad right of way, Railroad Protective Liability Insurance with limits of no less than $2 million per occurrence / $6 million aggregate.
Coverage requirements may vary depending on the nature of the project, and will be confirmed upon receipt of your Application.
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For utility crossing permits, please refer to our MDDE System Wire, Conduit and Cable Standards and our MDDE System Pipeline Standards as needed to answer questions regarding permitted engineering and design standards.
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For License Agreements and Right of Way Agreements, applicants will be asked to provide drawings, plans and/or maps of any planned improvements.
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If workers will be within 10 feet of the right of way working during the hours of regular scheduled train movements, railroad worker protection is required at $500 per day.
Railroad worker protection needs must be communicated as soon as possible for adequate protection and staffing.
If required by Federal law, based on the scope of the work being performed on railroad property, we will assign an inspector and/or roadway worker in charge to observe work and/or provide the required protections for workers against rail movements.
The cost of inspectors and/or roadway workers in charge will be billed to the Work Permit applicant. Such costs will be advised in advance of the Work Permit being issued.
Questions?
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