The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has launched a new online Case Status page designed to give the public clearer insight into ongoing rail-related proceedings and decision timelines.

What The Case Status Page Does

The Case Status page lists all pending adjudicatory proceedings before the STB and shows their current stage, along with an estimated timeframe for the next agency action when feasible. When a case reaches the Board Review phase, the STB will make every effort to provide an anticipated month for its next decision.

The page is typically updated weekly, with new timing information posted on Wednesdays. Recently filed dockets may not appear immediately, and some cases will not yet have estimated decision dates if they are still in record-building or earlier phases.

Why It Matters For ROW Professionals

For right-of-way and rail stakeholders, this tool offers more predictable visibility into STB decision timing, helping agencies, railroads, and consultants better plan project schedules, acquisitions, and stakeholder communications. By clarifying when key regulatory decisions are likely to be issued, the Case Status page can support more informed planning for rail-served developments, grade separations, and corridor projects.

Chairman Patrick Fuchs noted that the new tool is part of a broader effort to strengthen transparency and accountability across the agency, giving the marketplace more confidence in understanding when Board actions are expected.

How To Access The Case Status Page

Users can access the Case Status page directly from the STB website under the “Proceedings & Actions” tab or via the Case Status quick link on the homepage. From there, visitors can see the status and next expected actions for individual proceedings and integrate that information into their project tracking and internal reporting.

The Case Status page complements the STB’s new Open Data Portal (beta), which allows users to export and visualize agency data across carriers and time periods, further enhancing transparency and data-driven planning for the rail and right-of-way community.