Adopted October 2014

The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) upholds safety as a fundamental value. Our company’s most valuable assets are its people. Without exception, keeping each other safe is the responsibility of each employee at every level.

The Alaska Railroad seeks an accident-free, incident-free work environment in all areas of its operations. We work diligently to continually improve on-the-job safety through: communications, training, awareness and auditing.

Safety relies on participation. Individuals and work groups must be willing to sacrifice productivity in favor of working safely. Employees are expected to act immediately to eliminate unsafe conditions and to prevent the risk of injury in the workplace. To succeed, all employees must:

• Comply with all relevant federal, state and local rules and regulations.
• Observe all company rules and regulations related to safe work performance.
• Integrate safety into each job function.
• Report or correct unsafe equipment/practices.
• Report any and all accidents that occur while on the job, as soon as is practical.
• Foster mutual respect and cooperation between co-workers

See Tracks. Think Train.

Every day, people are injured, killed or involved in a “near miss” while in the right of way zone on the railroad tracks. Operation Lifesaver is committed to educating the public about safety along the railroad. Use this information to help stay safe when around Alaska Railroad tracks:

STAY SAFE.

•     Use caution in the right of way. The right of way extends 100 feet from the center of the tracks in either direction.
•  Stay off the tracks. Walking or lingering on the tracks is illegal trespassing and can result in fines, jail time or worse – injury or death.
•  Don’t travel along the tracks to access hunting, fishing, camping or other recreational spots. To cross the tracks, looks both ways and quickly cross, then immediately exit the right of way. 
•  Remember, trains are surprisingly quiet. Especially in among the elements, (wind, rain, etc) a train can sneak up on you without warning.
•  Remember, trains cannot stop quickly. Even at extremely low speeds, locomotives and the cars they pull can take more than a quarter of a mile to come to a full stop.
•  Right of way restrictions apply to photography. Please photograph from a safe distance, well clear of the tracks.

Operation Lifesaver

Operation Lifesaver is a non-profit, international public education program with a mission to end collisions, deaths and injuries at railroad crossings and right-of-ways. 

The programs are sponsored cooperatively by federal, state and local government agencies, highway safety organizations and the nation’s railroads. The Alaska Railroad Corporation sponsors all activities associated with the Operation Lifesaver Alaska (OL-AK) chapter.

Attention Photographers! No Photo is worth the risk. Photo and video shoots on or near railroad tracks are illegal and dangerous. Help stop track tragedies. Don't encourage any activity on the tracks with photographs that make it seem okay. 

Problem vegetation along railroad tracks interferes with the safe functioning of train operations and poses risks to the public, ARRC employees and the environment from potential hazards associated with railway operations. From 1983 to 2010, the Alaska Railroad tried to control problem vegetation along its tracks solely with non-chemical methods including mechanical brush-cutting, manual labor, steam and burning. Despite these efforts, the volume and location of vegetation along the track resulted in stiff fines from the Federal Railroad Administration, the railroad's federal regulatory agency. An integrated vegetation management program adds herbicide control where manual and mechanical methods are inadequate. This approach greatly enhances the Alaska Railroad's ability to improve safety and comply with federal regulatory requirements.

From 2010 through 2012, ARRC applied herbicides to some portions of its tracks under permits issued by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC). In early 2013, ADEC issued new regulations setting up a “permit by rule” system that requires agencies that apply herbicide on their lands to establish an Integrated Pest Management Plan and to take other steps to notify the public and ADEC of planned herbicide applications. 

Integrated Vegetation Management Plan (IVMP)

ARRC has developed an Integrated Vegetation Management Plan (IVMP) that meets the requirements of these new regulations. A copy of the current ARRC IVMP is available:

• 2025 ARRC IVMP
  2024 ARRC IVMP
  2023 ARRC IVMP
• 2022 ARRC IVMP
• 2021 ARRC IVMP
• 2020 ARRC IVMP
• 2019 ARRC IVMP
• 2018 ARRC IVMP
• 2017 ARRC IVMP
• 2016 ARRC IVMP
• 2015 ARRC IVMP
• 2014 ARRC IVMP
• 2013 ARRC IVMP

Notices in Newspapers

• 2025 Herbicide Use Notice - Published mid-April 2025 in general circulation newspapers along the railbelt: Peninsula Clarion, Anchorage Daily News, Frontiersman, and Fairbanks Daily News Miner.

Report on Last Season

During 2024, the Alaska Railroad applied herbicides along the main and branch linesstarting the May 28 and finishing on June 26. Herbicides were applied first to the Anchorage Yard, then extended south along the rail line to the Whittier branch and Whittier Marginal Wharf and also north to the Birchwood yard, Palmer Branch, Houston Wye, Healy yard, Fairbanks yard, Eielson branch, and Salcha Bridge area. Brush spray was applied June 17-19 between ARRC mileposts 345 and 468. Detailed information about the herbicides used, the locations where applied and the timing of application is included in this report:

• 2024 ARRC Herbicide Report

Vegetation Management Purpose and Need

Potentially dangerous vegetation growth eventually led to an ultimatum from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the regulatory body which governs safety for the rail industry. In 2009, the FRA notified ARRC that more must be done to maintain safe operating conditions, or ARRC could face curtailed or ceased train operations.

Between 1997 and 2008, the FRA issued a total of 947 defects and 74 violations against the ARRC for vegetation safety concerns. During summer 2009 alone, FRA inspectors issued an additional 497 defects and 123 violations. Despite ARRC efforts to manage vegetation with non-chemical methods, the FRA noted the “ARRC track continues to get worse.” While the FRA acknowledged ARRC’s continued efforts to seek a state herbicide use permit, the agency indicated it would no longer ignore the safety concerns presented by the overwhelming overgrowth of vegetation. A copy of the letter can be found on the PDF below:

• Federal Railroad Administration Letter to the ARRC Regarding Vegetation Concerns

Important Considerations

• Safety of the public and employees and safe movement of trains are the dominant factors in designing a comprehensive vegetation management program.
• Any herbicides used are regulated and approved by both federal and state environmental agencies.  
• Application of herbicides is conducted by licensed, experienced contractors and Alaska Railroad employees, and railroad employees and the public will be informed about chemicals used and Alaska Railroad property to be treated, as required by ADEC regulations.
• The herbicide products used have been used for many years, are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and have been shown to have no adverse effects on humans, fish or wildlife.

Benefits of Comprehensive Weed Control

• Reduces the risk of derailment
• Helps employees to avoid slip, trip and fall injuries
• Eliminates plants and roots that destabilize the track sub-surface
• Removes brush that can fuel wild fires
• Maintains safe visual sight lines at road/rail crossings
• Assists efforts to control the spread of noxious, invasive weeds
• Complies with federal regulatory requirements to control vegetation on the rail bed

Vegetation Management Facts and FAQs

Alaska Railroad Vegetation Management Overview 
This document provides an overview of the Alaska Railroad's vegetation management efforts and program.

Alaska Railroad Integrated Vegetation Management Plan FAQs (2025 update)
This document includes the most current information and answers to questions about the Alaska Railroad Corporation's vegetation management plan.

Alternative Methods for Vegetation Control at the ARRC: Evaluation & Implementation
This document provides the history and information about the Alaska Railroad Corporation's use of alternative methods to control weeds.

Vegetation Management Display Boards

All Updated as of April 2016 and still current as of 2024

• Board 1 - Safety Number 1 Reason
• Board 2 - Other Compelling Reasons
• Board 3 - Vegetation Control Methods
• Board 4 - Integrated Approach to Vegetation Management
• Board 5 - Chemical Herbicide Application
• Board 6 - Herbicide Research Project

Herbicide and Additive Facts and FAQs

Glyphosate-Frequently Asked Questions
This document outlines the facts about the glyphosate, the base herbicide in Alligare Glyphosate 4 Plus. It was prepared for the Alaska Railroad Corporation by the Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health.

Glyphosate Environmental Protection Agency RED Fact Sheet
This links to the Environmental Protection Agency RED fact sheet on Glyphosate.

Alligare Dryphosphate 75 SG Label  — herbicide product label published by the manufacturer.

Alligare Dryphosphate 75 SG SDS — herbicide Safety Data Sheet (SDS). 

Alligare MSM 60 Label — herbicide product label published by the manufacturer.

Alligare MSM 60 SDS — herbicide Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Alligare Triclopyr 3 Label — herbicide product label published by the manufacturer.

Alligare Triclopyr 3 SDS — herbicide Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Bayer Oust Extra Label — herbicide product label published by the manufacturer.

Bayer Oust Extra SDS — herbicide Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Bayer Oust XP Label — herbicide product label published by the manufacturer.

Bayer Oust XP SDS — herbicide Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Corteva Milestone Label — herbicide product label published by the manufacturer.

Corteva Milestone SDS  — herbicide Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

FMC Altify Label — herbicide product label published by the manufacturer.

FMC Altify SDS — herbicide Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Imazapyr 4SL Label - herbicide product label published by the manufacturer.

Imazapyr 4SL SDS - herbicide Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Novita MSO Label — methylated seed oil surfactant product label published by the manufacturer.

Novita MSO SDS  — methylated seed oil surfactant Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Novita Foam No More Label — foam suppressant additive product label published by the manufacturer. 

Novita Foam No More SDS — foam suppressant additive Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Novita Drift Control Label — drift retardant additive product label published by the manufacturer.

Novita Drift Control SDS — drift retardant  Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Ranger Pro Herbicide Label — herbicide product label published by the manufacturer.

Ranger Pro Herbicide SDS — herbicide Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Whetstone Label — herbicide product label published by the manufacturer.

Whetstone SDS — herbicide Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

External Resources

Third-party information from public and private universities, professional weed management organizations, state and federal government agencies are easily found on the Internet. Some of the most complete informational sites include:

US Forest Service

State of California Pesticide Management Agency

Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

University of California-Davis (UC Davis) Weed Research and Information Center

Weed Science Society of America

Vegetation Management & Herbicide Research and Studies

Recent Weed Control Research Project

The Alaska Railroad Corporation worked with the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) to conduct a herbicide research project, similar to those accomplished for the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (ADOT/PF). Two field studies were conducted for DOT/PF along highway rights-of-way in two different climatic zones (Delta Junction and Valdez). The Alaska Railroad project was designed to compliment these previous tests as well as provide specific information to the Alaska Railroad.

• 2008-2011 Railroad Herbicide Research Project Fact Sheet

Previous Herbicide and Alternative Methods Research

The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) has spent considerable time and resources to aggressively evaluate alternative methods for vegetation control in the ballast and tie area, particularly throughout the 1990s.

From 1988 through 1990, the Alaska Railroad commissioned the University of Alaska Fairbanks to investigate herbicide persistence and migration, as well as alternative methods of vegetation control. The results were published in a report in early 1991:

1991 UAF Alaska Railroad Integrated Vegetation Management Research Project (Report)

1991 UAF Alaska Railroad Integrated Vegetation Management Reserach Project (Appendices)

Following this university research, the railroad conducted testing of numerous non-chemical alternatives for vegetation management. This included testing of a steam machine in 1993, hosting a vegetation management symposium in 1994 to evaluate multiple alternatives, and testing three contractor-proposed methods/prototypes in 1998. The results of these efforts were analyzed and critiqued and compiled into a report in 1998:

Controlling Unwanted Vegetation That Impacts Railroad Infrastructure: A Critique of the Trials of Five Potential Solutions and Review of Seven Other Potential Strategies

A summary of the Alaska Railroad's efforts to investigate, test and evaluate alternative non-chemical means of controlling weeds is recapped in this fact sheet:

Alternative Methods for Vegetation Control at ARRC: Evaluation and Implementation
(2015 update)

Current Non-Chemical Control Methods

Mechanical Brush-Cutter

On-track brush-cutters are used to mow vegetation in the area beyond the rails and ties. The brush-cutter blade can reach no closer than 2 to 4 feet and no further than 20-30 feet from the end of the ties.

Ballast Regulator

Ballast regulator equipment (the railroad equivalent to a highway motorized grader) is equipped with a large rotating broom that evenly distributes ballast (the rock bed) along the tracks. To address vegetation, the broom is modified by peeling back the ubber on the bristles. The rotating wires essentially scrape the plant tops from the track surface.

Manual Labor

Manual labor crews use chainsaws, weed whakers, pruners, mowers and other tools, as well as some hand-pulling, to trim vegetation in areas where it is not feasible to use on-track heavy equipment. Manual brush-cutting and other vegetation control has always been a bigger job than railroad workforces can handle. To assist, the railroad has contracted with the Department of Correctiosn to use inmate labor. The use of inmate crews is subject to ARRC labor agreements. Inmate crews have been used every year from the early 1990s through 2009, when ARRC was not able to gain labor union consent. Manual control continues with ARRC personnel.

Shortcomings of current methods

Current non-chemical methods of vegetation control are slow, expensive and not effective long-term. Manual and mechanical methods can eliminate the upper portion of vegetation, but do not address the root systems. Therefore, plants grow back – sometimes hardier than before – presenting a repeating problem. 

Tested Alternatives

The Alaska Railroad has investigated numerous alterative methods for vegetation management. They include:

• Steam

In 1993, ARRC borrowed a prototype "Steam Machine" from Canadian Pacific (CP) Rail to evaluate its effectiveness as a weed control method. Configured as a train – including a control car, steam / boiler car, fuel tanker, water tanker and locomotive – the Steam Machine moved along the rail at about one mile per hour. Boxes folded down over the track shoulders to enclose the area between the rails. Steam released into this confined area heated the vegetation, and weeds above the ground were wilted. Because roots remained, additional passes were required every two weeks in order to knock down re-growth

The Steam Machine covered about 114 miles (Anchorage to Seward) in 13 work days during July. Cost was about $115,000 (1993 dollars). While steam showed potential as a vegetation control method, it had costly drawbacks, including high fuel consumption, high water consumption, large operating crew (about six), and repeated applications. In 1998, the CP mothballed the Steam Machine due to poor performance. 

• Hot Water

In 1998, one of three contractors mobilized the AquaHeat hot water machine to be evaluated by the Alaska Railroad during a two-week testing phase.

The truck-mounted equipment poured scalding water on the tracks to kill vegetation. While the immediate effect was to "cook" the tops of vegetation, the roots remained unaffected.

• Flaming

The second of three contractors evaluated in 1998 had mobilized a fire / flaming machine to be evaluated by the Alaska Railroad during a two-week testing phase.

The truck-drawn equipment shot flames out of the back and onto the track. While the immediate effect was to burn and singe the tops of vegetation, again, root systems remained unaffected. 

• Radiant Heat

The third and most successful contractor to be evaluated in 1998 had demonstrated a prototype Radiant Heat machine. After substantial development costs and delays, a prototype machine was placed in service.

The prototype included a large truck equipped with special drop down axles to remain on the tracks. Articulating arms held three radiant heaters. The truck carried a large supply of propane and required a three-person crew. This machine was used for two seasons, but was retired because of low productivity and high operating costs.

Railroad Police – The special agents assigned to the ARRC police department are State of Alaska Law Enforcement Officers charged with the protection of the general public, employees, customers and corporate assets. Questions regarding trespassing, vandalism, criminal activity or suspicious behavior can be directed to 1.877.RAILCOP or 907.265.2463.

Track Watch

TrackWatch is a public awareness and education campaign which encourages passengers, employees and neighborhood residents to report any suspicious activity around the tracks and property of the Alaska Railroad. The program is patterned after the successful "Neighborhood Watch" program initiated in communities across the country.

Through the TrackWatch program we are asking our Alaskan neighbors, customers, employees and passengers to be on the lookout for activities or situations that could pose a danger to railroad operations and report them to us.

For more information on TrackWatch, click here.

Passenger Car Safety Information

English

If for some reason it is necessary to evacuate this car, you will be directed by one of the onboard staff. There are three ways to exit:

1. The best way to exit a passenger car is to go directly into the car in front of or behind the car you are seated in.
2. Exit the car through the vestibule area located in front or behind the seating area.
3. Any of the emergency window exits.

Alaska Railroad passenger cars are equipped with at least four emergency window exits. Each emergency window exit is marked with a red handle. To open the emergency exit window, pull the handle toward you to remove the black rubber strip and pull the glass into the car. Note: this window is heavy. Please familiarize yourself with the nearest emergency exit. This train is equipped with AEDs, first aid kits, and other medical supplies. If you become ill or are injured while on board, please notify a uniformed crew member immediately.

German (Deutsch)

Falls es aus irgendeinem Grund notwendig wird, diesen Wagen zu evakuieren, werden Sie von einem Mitglied des Zugpersonals angeleitet. Es gibt drei Möglichkeiten, den Wagen zu verlassen:

1. Der beste Weg ist der direkte Übergang in den Wagen vor oder hinter dem Wagen, in dem Sie sich befinden.
2. Verlassen Sie den Wagen über den Übergangsbereich (Vestibül) an der Vorder- oder Rückseite des Sitzbereichs.
3. Nutzen Sie eines der Notausstiegsfenster.

Die Personenwagen der Alaska Railroad sind mit mindestens vier Notausstiegsfenstern ausgestattet. Jedes Notausstiegsfenster ist mit einem roten Griff gekennzeichnet. Zum Öffnen ziehen Sie den Griff zu sich, entfernen die schwarze Gummidichtung und ziehen die Scheibe in den Wagen hinein. Achtung: Das Fenster ist schwer. Bitte machen Sie sich mit dem nächstgelegenen Notausgang vertraut. Der Zug ist mit automatisierten externen Defibrillatoren, Erste-Hilfe-Ausrüstung und weiteren medizinischen Hilfsmitteln ausgestattet. Informieren Sie bitte umgehend ein uniformiertes Besatzungsmitglied, wenn Sie sich unwohl fühlen oder verletzt sind.

Japanese (日本語)

万一この車両を避難する必要が生じた場合は、車内の乗務員の指示に従ってください。出口は次の三つです。

1. 最も安全な方法は、現在ご乗車中の車両の前方または後方にある隣接する車両へ移動することです。
2. 座席エリアの前後にあるデッキ（連結部）から退出してください。
3. 非常口として指定された非常用窓を使用してください。

アラスカ鉄道の旅客車両には、少なくとも四つの非常用窓が設置されています。各非常用窓には赤いハンドルが付いています。非常用窓を開けるには、ハンドルを手前に引いて黒いゴム製シールを外し、ガラスを車内側へ引き込んでください。なお、窓は非常に重くなっています。最寄りの非常口の位置をあらかじめご確認ください。この列車にはAED、救急箱、その他の医療用品が備えられています。体調が悪くなったり負傷された場合は、速やかに制服を着用した乗務員へお知らせください。

Mandarin Chinese (普通话 / 简体中文)

如果因任何原因需要疏散本车厢，请听从列车工作人员的指示。共有三种离开方式：

1. 最安全的方式是直接进入您所在车厢前方或后方的相邻车厢。
2. 通过座位区域前方或后方的车厢连接通道离开。
3. 使用任何一个紧急出口窗。

阿拉斯加铁路的客车至少配备四个紧急出口窗，每个紧急出口窗都标有红色拉手。打开紧急出口窗时，请将拉手向自己方向拉动，取下黑色橡胶密封条，然后将玻璃向车厢内拉入。注意：该窗户较重。请提前熟悉离您最近的紧急出口位置。本列车配备有自动体外除颤器（AED）、急救箱及其他医疗用品。如您在车上感到不适或受伤，请立即通知穿制服的工作人员。

Korean (한국어)

어떠한 이유로든 이 객차를 대피해야 할 경우, 차내 승무원의 안내에 따라 주시기 바랍니다. 출구는 세 가지가 있습니다.

1. 가장 권장되는 방법은 현재 탑승 중인 객차의 앞이나 뒤에 위치한 인접 객차로 이동하는 것입니다.
2. 좌석 구역 앞이나 뒤에 있는 연결 통로(베스티뷸)를 통해 나가십시오.
3. 비상 탈출 창문을 이용하십시오.

알래스카 철도 여객 차량에는 최소 네 개의 비상 탈출 창문이 설치되어 있습니다. 각 비상 창문에는 빨간색 손잡이가 표시되어 있습니다. 비상 창문을 열려면 손잡이를 몸 쪽으로 당겨 검은 고무 씰을 제거한 후 유리를 객차 안쪽으로 당기십시오. 주의: 창문은 무겁습니다. 가장 가까운 비상 출구의 위치를 미리 확인해 주시기 바랍니다. 이 열차에는 AED, 응급 처치 키트 및 기타 의료 장비가 비치되어 있습니다. 탑승 중 몸이 불편하거나 부상을 입었을 경우 즉시 제복을 착용한 승무원에게 알려 주십시오.

Spanish (Español)

Si por alguna razón es necesario evacuar este vagón, recibirá instrucciones por parte del personal a bordo. Existen tres formas de salir:

1. La mejor manera es dirigirse directamente al vagón que se encuentra delante o detrás del vagón en el que usted está sentado.
2. Salir del vagón a través del área del vestíbulo ubicada al frente o detrás del área de asientos.
3. Utilizar cualquiera de las ventanas de emergencia.

Los vagones de pasajeros de Alaska Railroad están equipados con al menos cuatro ventanas de emergencia. Cada ventana está marcada con una palanca roja. Para abrirla, tire de la palanca hacia usted para retirar la banda de goma negra y jale el vidrio hacia el interior del vagón. Nota: esta ventana es pesada. Familiarícese con la salida de emergencia más cercana. Este tren está equipado con desfibriladores externos automáticos, botiquines de primeros auxilios y otros suministros médicos. Si se siente mal o sufre una lesión a bordo, notifíquelo de inmediato a un miembro del personal uniformado.

Icelandic (Íslenska)

Ef nauðsynlegt reynist að rýma þennan farþegavagn, mun starfsfólk um borð veita leiðbeiningar. Það eru þrjár leiðir til að yfirgefa vagninn:

1. Best er að fara beint í vagninn fyrir framan eða aftan þann sem þú situr í.
2. Fara út um tengiganginn sem er staðsettur framan eða aftan við sætissvæðið.
3. Nota einn af neyðarútgönguglugganum.

Farþegavagnar Alaska Railroad eru búnir að minnsta kosti fjórum neyðarútgönguglugga. Hver neyðargluggi er merktur með rauðu handfangi. Til að opna neyðarglugga skal toga handfangið að sér til að fjarlægja svarta gúmmíþéttinguna og draga glerið inn í vagninn. Athugið að glugginn er þungur. Kynnið ykkur staðsetningu næsta neyðarútgangs. Lestin er búin hjartastuðtækjum (AED), sjúkrakössum og öðrum lækningabúnaði. Ef þú veikist eða slasast á ferðinni, vinsamlegast láttu einkennisklæddan starfsmann vita tafarlaust.

Hawaiian (ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi)

Inā he kumu e pono ai ke hoʻokuʻu ʻia kēia kaʻa, e hahai i nā kuhikuhi a nā limahana ma luna o ke kaʻaahi. ʻEkolu mau ala e puka ai:

1. ʻO ke ala maikaʻi loa, ʻo ia ke komo pololei ʻana i ke kaʻa ma mua a ma hope paha o ke kaʻa āu e noho nei.
2. E puka ma o ke ala waena (vestibule) ma mua a ma hope paha o ka wahi noho.
3. E hoʻohana i kekahi o nā puka aniani pilikia.

Hoʻolako ʻia nā kaʻa lawe poʻe o ka Alaska Railroad me nā puka aniani pilikia ʻehā a ʻoi paha. Ua hōʻailona ʻia kēlā me kēia puka aniani pilikia me kahi lima ʻulaʻula. No ka wehe ʻana, e huki mai i ka lima ʻulaʻula e wehe i ka sila kāpala ʻeleʻele, a laila e huki mai i ke aniani i loko o ke kaʻa. E makaʻala: he kaumaha ke aniani. E hoʻomaʻamaʻa iā ʻoe iho i kahi o ka puka pilikia kokoke loa. Hoʻolako ʻia kēia kaʻaahi me nā AED, nā mea kōkua lapaʻau mua, a me nā lako lapaʻau ʻē aʻe. Inā maʻi ʻoe a i ʻole ʻeha i ka wā e holo ana, e hōʻike koke aku i kekahi limahana ʻaʻahu kūhelu.