R930-5-4. Type and Selection of Crossing Projects

(1) Section 130 Crossing Projects:

(a) Section 130 Crossing Project types include, but are not limited to:

(i) Elimination of a Crossing by combining multiple Crossings;

(ii) Elimination of a Crossing by the relocation of a Highway;

(iii) Elimination of a Crossing by the construction of a new grade separation;

(iv) New safety improvements;

(v) Reconstruction of a Crossing grade separation structure; and

(vi) Repair of Crossing material, that would otherwise be the responsibility of the Railroad as prescribed in Subsection R930-5-8-(1)(b), if the repair of the Crossing material affects or is an integral part of the Crossing safety devices.

(b) The Department has established a process for the evaluation and selection of Section 130 projects that considers the potential reduction in the number and/or severity of collisions, the cost of the Crossing projects, and available resources. Specific methods for selecting and prioritizing Crossings for improvement include:

(i) The collection and maintenance of data utilizing the USDOT Grade Crossing Inventory to record Crossing data including, but not limited to the current physical condition, average daily traffic, and collision data associated with a Crossing.

(ii) An engineering study conducted on a Crossing at the request of a Highway Authority, Railroad, or company or using a priority list developed using the USDOT Accident Prediction Model. The purpose of the engineering study is to review the Crossing and its environment, identify the nature of any deficiencies and recommend alterative improvements. Specifically, an engineering study reviews Crossing characteristics, the existing traffic control system, and the Highway and Railroad characteristics. Based on the review of these conditions, an assessment of existing and potential hazards is made, deficiencies are identified and countermeasures are recommended.

(iii) System or corridor evaluations consider a Crossing as a component of a larger transportation system. The objective is to improve both safety and operations of the total system or segments of the system. In such cases, all Crossings within a corridor are evaluated and can be programmed for improvements. The optimal outcome of a corridor study involves a combination of engineering improvements and closures such that both safety and operations are highly improved.

(2) Non-Section 130 Crossing Projects:

(a) Non-Section 130 Crossing Project types include, but are not limited to:

(i) Crossing projects that use Railroad properties or involve adjustments to Railroad facilities required by Highway construction, but do not involve the elimination of hazards at a Crossing; and

(ii) Construction of a new Crossing at or over a Railroad track where the new Highway is not a relocation of an existing Highway.

(b) Non-Section 130 Crossing Projects will be evaluated and selected as part of the Department's normal STIP evaluation and approval process.