Project Process

The Office of Utilities' Railroad Crossing Safety Program is responsible for identifying, prioritizing and developing projects related to safety enhancements at public highway-rail grade crossings. This is primarily accomplished through the initiation and development of stand alone safety and/or corridor projects. The Railroad Crossing Safety Program is also responsible for coordinating preconstruction activities involving the installation of train activated warning devices as part of larger DOT construction projects.

While the Department is responsible for all design efforts related to the approaching road facilities, the railroad is responsible for all efforts related to the design of the corresponding warning devices and its components. Upon completing pre-construction activities, the Department prepares and executes an agreement with the railroad for the funding and installation of the warning devices. In most cases the Department funds the project and the railroad installs the devices and is subsequently responsible for the day to day operation and maintenance of the equipment as well.

Historically, projects encountering no complications take anywhere from twelve (12) to sixteen (16) months to complete, from initiation to installation.