Rail Handbook Last Updated: January 2012

RAIL HANDBOOK
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PURPOSE
The purpose of the Rail Office Programs Handbook (Rail Handbook) is to identify and designate
responsibility for rail processes in support of the Florida Department of Transportation’s
(Department) mission of a safe transportation system, which ensures mobility of people and
goods, enhances economic prosperity and preserves the quality of our environment and
community (Department Procedure Topic No. 725-080-002).

The Rail Handbook identifies rail processes, guidelines, and responsibilities for the development
and implementation of programs which include Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Inventory,
Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Improvement Program, Construction and Maintenance
Project Management Program, Public Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Opening - Closure
Program, Railroad Safety Inspection Program, Florida Rail System Plan, Rail Emergency
Management Plan, and the Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings and
Quiet Zone Application Process.

The principal users of the Rail Handbook are Department personnel, railroad companies, design
and construction companies, transportation planners, Florida cities and counties, individuals or
groups requesting information or permits pertaining to rail programs, and other State or Federal
organizations involved in the development and implementation of rail programs.

Executive Summary Page 1

 CHAPTER 1

HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSING INVENTORY

INTRODUCTION
The Department’s Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Inventory includes the database and
application called Rail Highway Crossing Inventory (RHCI). The RHCI contains
railroad/highway crossing data to support the Department, the U.S. Department of
Transportation (USDOT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Railroad
Administration (FRA) highway-rail crossing safety programs and initiatives. The FRA requires
the Department to collect and report data elements. Requirements for data collection and data
entry into the RHCI are identified below.

DEFINITIONS
 Railroad Crossing: An intersection of a railroad corridor by a roadway or
bicycle/pedestrian pathway, intersecting at-grade or by grade separation by a public or
private passageway.

 Highway-Rail Grade Crossing: A location where a railroad track is crossed at-grade

by any public or private roadway.

 Rail Highway Crossing Inventory (RHCI): The Department’s repository for data
elements specific to railroad crossings within the state.

 Crossing Inventory Field Data: Data collected on site at the specific railroad crossing,
recorded manually on diagnostic field review data sheets or entered into a computer that
has been programmed to record and file required data elements. Data collection may
include photo documentation of the railroad crossing which shows the required areas
and ancillary equipment.

 Crossing Identification Number: Numeric/alpha number (example, 123456A) located

on the crossing warning device post, crossing control cabinet or at other locations within
the boundaries of the rail crossing location. The number will typically be on an attached
placard on one of the structures or stenciled on any of the structures or supports within
the grade crossing area.

 Crossing Location Information: Crossing number, county, Florida Department of

Transportation District, latitude and longitude, rail company name, railroad milepost, US
route number, crossing street name or number, or any additional information that
supports the proper location of the crossing site.

 Crossing Status: Indicates one of several combinations of the status of roadway and/or
track. Four statuses identified are:
 Roadway Open and Track Active
 Roadway Open and Track Inactive
 Closed with the Roadway Removed
 Closed with the Track Remove

Chapter 1: Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Inventory Page 2

  Crossing Type: Ownership of the crossing as:
 Public
 Private

 Crossing Purpose:
 Highway Vehicle
 Pathway, Pedestrian, Other
 Station Pedestrian

DATA COLLECTION
The RHCI contains all railroad data elements that meet the Federal Railroad Administration
(FRA) and the Florida Department of Transportation requirements. Field data is collected
through diagnostic field reviews, crossing status changes, and rail crossing inventory activities.
Data updates are transmitted to FRA based on the requirements from the Rail Safety
Improvement Act of 2008 (49 USC 20101; Section 204. National Crossing Inventory).

FIELD DATA
Each railroad is inspected, photographed, and inventoried at the crossing’s location to verify the
features and conditions.

OFFICE DATA
Office data collection may include documentation and data collection such as number of lanes,
number and type of tracks, crossing status, crossing purpose, crossing type, Annual Average
Daily Traffic (AADT), school bus counts, and railroad schedules.

CENTRAL RAIL OFFICE

The Central Rail Office shall be responsible for the statewide oversight of the RHCI data
collection program and the related FRA reporting process including:
 Acting as liaison between the Department and the FRA.
 Overseeing data and software including creating, maintaining and managing software
needed to operate RHCI.
 Verifying data elements at each railroad crossing in the state through inventory updates.
All railroad crossings shall be located and all data elements of RHCI verified
approximately every three years.
 Incorporate new railroad crossing notices and updated information received from railroad
companies, data collection, and other sources into RHCI.
 Updating annual school bus counts, including obtaining source documentation from local
school boards and private schools (if available).
 Conducting traffic counts on roads with railroad crossings as needed.
 Updating annual train/vehicle incident data from FRA.
 Developing annual Signal Safety Index ranking.
 Performing quality control and quality assurance reviews.
 Notify the appropriate railroad company of any missing USDOT numbers as required by
FRA.

Chapter 1: Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Inventory Page 3

DISTRICT OFFICES
The District Rail Coordinators shall provide technical data and field support for collecting
crossing characteristics or modifications. Any identified crossing status change (opening,
closure, or new installation) that impacts RHCI shall be reported. RHCI updates include such
items as:
 Populating RHCI when a railroad crossing is officially opened, closed, upgraded, or
modified.
 Verifying project completions, closures, and changes.
 Updating RHCI when a new crossing warning device and/or surface is installed.
 Updating RHCI when the railroad submits a new USDOT Grade Crossing Inventory
Form.
 Forwarding completed USDOT Grade Crossing Inventory Forms to FRA with copies to
the Central Rail Office.

Chapter 1: Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Inventory Page 4

 CHAPTER 2

HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSING SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION
The Department Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Improvement Program has regulatory
authority through Section 335.141(2)(a), Florida Statutes.

The program:
 identifies public highway-rail grade crossing locations needing improvements,
 enhances safety through installing or upgrading public highway-rail grade crossing
warning devices, circuitry, and/or surfaces,
 conducts corridor reviews identifying roadway and signalization improvements to reduce
hazards,
 identifies redundant and unnecessary public highway-rail grade crossings for potential
elimination, and
 evaluates effectiveness of safety improvement projects.

STEP 1 - DIAGNOSTIC FIELD REVIEW PROCESS

 Incidents entered into RHCI: By May, the Central Rail Office enters rail crossing
incidents into the RHCI for the preceding calendar year and calculates the Safety Index
for each crossing.

 Priority List of Crossings for Review: During May, each District Rail Coordinators will run
a Safety Index report from RHCI listing crossings based on the Safety Index rank. The
priority list can be adjusted by eliminating or adding crossings based on:
 existing warning devices compared to recommended warning devices,
 crossings on prior diagnostic field review lists that were determined to be poor
candidates for safety signal improvement at that time for which conditions have
changed,
 crossings scheduled for improvement, abandonment, or closure,
 crossings with signals over 30 years old or with other age-related problems,
 crossings with safety issues not reflected by the Safety Index,
 crossings that are part of a corridor review,
 crossings with passive devices that have had an incident within the last year,
 crossings where rail traffic carries hazardous materials, passengers, or have
plans to increase rail traffic,
 crossings identified by citizens as unsafe, and
 crossings identified by railroad partner as unsafe or with near misses.

 Schedule of Diagnostic Field Reviews: The Central Rail Office will coordinate the
schedule of diagnostic field reviews with each District Rail Coordinator. The general
time frame for reviews is during the summer, from May to August. District Rail
Coordinator will determine diagnostic field review locations and coordinate with railroad
companies and local agencies.

Chapter 2: Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Improvement Program Page 5

  Diagnostic Field Review Team Members:
Each District will prepare the diagnostic field review data sheets and incident reports for
each crossing to be reviewed. The Diagnostic Field Review Team:
 should be multi-disciplinary with the ability to evaluate conditions and
recommend crossing safety improvements.
 should include Central and District Rail representatives, the District Safety and/or
Traffic Operations Engineer(s), Railroad personnel, and, if applicable,
engineering personnel from the City or County with jurisdictional authority over
the crossing.
 should be notified by the District Rail Coordinator with time, place and crossing
data information.
The District Rail Coordinator will confirm each team member’s participation in the review.

 Diagnostic Field Review Team Observations:

Observations should include:
 Railroad classification (i.e., mainline, branch, industrial spur).
 Train traffic mix (i.e., switching, through, passenger) operating at, or in the vicinity
of the crossing.
 Condition and visibility of warning devices, including advance warning signs and
pavement markings.
 Other traffic control devices contributing to vehicles stopping on the crossing that
may require signal preemption.
 Signs and signals that are fixed hazards.
 Alignment, grade (i.e., profile), and sight distance of crossing.
 Crossing surface conditions.
 Roadway geometrics diverting driver attention.
 Physical characteristics at crossing including auxiliary lanes, lighting, and
driveways.
 Conditions leading to vehicles being stopped or queued on the crossing.
 Hazards presented by vehicles that are required by law to stop at the crossing
(i.e., school buses, public transportation buses, trucks carrying hazardous
materials, etc.).
 Type of roadway (freeway, arterial, collector road and street, local road and
street) and roadway operational characteristics including traffic volume, vehicular
speed, and types of use (i.e., buses, pedestrian, etc.).
 Motorists’ behavior.
 Conditions of other rail crossings in the area.
 Proximity of nearby crossings.

 Diagnostic Field Review Team Data Collection:

The Diagnostic Field Review Team will note crossing information that is incorrect or
missing for later entry into RHCI.

Chapter 2: Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Improvement Program Page 6

  Diagnostic Field Review Team Recommendations:
Based on the evaluation of the crossing, the team may recommend the following safety
improvements, in compliance with Chapter 14-57.012(3), Florida Administrative Code;
Florida Department of Transportation Design Standards (Topic No. 625-010-003); and
the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD):
 DOT Crossing Number identification
 Emergency Notification System signs
 Flashing lights and gates
 Pedestrian flashing lights and gates
 Advance warning beacon
 Advance warning sign
 Replacement of cabinet
 Pavement markings
- Stopbars
- Railroad Crossing Markings
 Additional signage/pavement markings
- Do Not Stop On Tracks sign
- Number of Tracks sign
- Yield sign
- Stop sign
- Low Ground Clearance sign
 ADA improvements / signage
 Overhead illumination
 Traffic signal installation
 Preemption
- Advanced
- Simultaneous
 Constant Warning Time (CWT), Direct Current (DC), Alternating Current (AC),
Audio frequency overlay (AFO), Motion Sensors
 Shunt Detectors
 Curb and gutter
 Improved geometry
 Pavement of shoulder through the crossing
 Crossing surface rehabilitation/replacement
 Raised medians and or barriers
 Fill and drainage improvements
 Utility relocation
 Tree and brush trimming
 Candidates for consolidation

 District RHCI Update: Crossing data corrections/additions acquired during the

diagnostic field reviews will be updated in RHCI by the District Rail Coordinator.

Chapter 2: Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Improvement Program Page 7

  District Submittal of Proposed Projects: Each District Rail Coordinator will submit to the
Central Rail Office the information for all crossings reviewed during Diagnostic Field
Review within 30 days after the review including:
 Completed Diagnostic Field Review Data Sheets
 Cost Estimates provided by the railroad company

STEP 2 - SAFETY PROGRAM FUNDING PROCESS

 Project Approval: Central Rail Office will determine maximum available funding and
approved projects.

 Projects are reviewed statewide and projects are selected by Central Rail Office using a
number of factors including:
 safety index,
 project cost,
 incident history,
 corridor emphasis,
 diagnostic field review team safety observations,
 upgrading crossings from passive devices to active devices,
 input from local governments, and
 input from railroad partners.
In the interest of maximizing the impact of limited funding, low cost improvements are
also considered. One low cost application the Department works to implement is to
install light‐emitting diode (LEDs) on east/west crossings to improve warning visibility for
the motoring public.

 Federal Aid Project Number Assignment: The Central Office will submit the list of
candidate projects to the Federal Aid Office for approval.

 Encumbrance of Funds: Each District will encumber funds through the Comptroller’s
Office for each safety improvement project.

STEP 3 - SAFETY PROGRAM CONTRACTING PROCESS

 Change Orders Used for State Road Projects: Under the terms of existing or master
agreements, the District will request federal approval, encumber funds, and execute a
Change Order for a state road safety improvement project.

 Change Orders Used for Off-System Projects: Under the terms of the existing
agreement, the District will execute a Change Order for an off-system safety
improvement project if the type and class of signal has not changed and the existing
agreement has language stating that the “Schedule of Annual Cost of Automatic
Highway Grade Crossing Devices” is subject to future revision.

 Agreements Executed: The District Rail Coordinator will facilitate the execution of the
appropriate agreement and disseminate copies to all parties, including the Central Rail
Office. The requirements of the City and County will be restated in the cover letter that
accompanies their executed Agreement. The order of documents submitted to Central
Rail Office, as part of the Agreement, should be as follows:
 Legal documents

Chapter 2: Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Improvement Program Page 8

  Resolution (if tri-party with city or county)
 Maintenance schedule (only if signals involved)
 Detail estimates, encumbrances, and / or Federal Electronic Authorization
- Crossing
- Signal or generic (Safety Program)
- Communication adjustment
- Flagging service
 Company plans for installation and / or adjustment
 Company’s circuit drawings
 Florida Department of Transportation Design Standards
- 560 if crossing involved
- 17882 if signal installation and / or relocation
- 17721 if conduit installation
- 280 if drainage installation (sheet 2 of 4)

RAILROAD FORMS – Accessible on Infonet Forms

= Surface
Form No. Title Remarks
+ Signal
= + 725-090-02 Railroad Daily Diary
= + 725-090-04 RR Change Order State Roads only
= + 725-090-05 RR Relocation Schedule
= 725-090-07 Work Description-Grade Crossing-New/Reconstruct
+ 725-090-09 Work Description-Grade Crossing Traffic Control Devices
= 725-090-13 RR Reimbursement Agreement-Grade Crossing 2 Party: RR/DOT
= 725-090-14 RR Reimbursement Agreement-Grade Crossing- Supplemental 2 Party: RR/DOT
RR Reimbursement Agreement-Grade Crossing Traffic Control
+ 725-090-15 2 Party: RR/DOT
Devices
RR Reimbursement Agreement-Grade Crossing Traffic Control
+ 725-090-18 2 Party: RR/DOT
Devices-Supplemental
RR Reimbursement Agreement-Grade Crossing and Crossing
= + 725-090-19 2 Party: RR/DOT
Traffic Control Devices
RR Reimbursement Agreement-Grade Crossing and Crossing 3 Party: County/City
= + 725-090-23
Traffic Control Devices Resolution (725-090-53)
RR Reimbursement Agreement-Grade Crossing and Crossing 3 Party: County/City
= + 725-090-24
Traffic Control Devices Preemption Resolution (725-090-53)
3 Party: County/City
RR Reimbursement Agreement-Grade Crossing Traffic Control
+ 725-090-27 Resolution (725-090-55;
Devices
725-090-41)
RR Reimbursement Agreement-Grade Crossing Traffic Control 3 Party: County/City
+ 725-090-28
Devices-Supplemental Resolution (725-090-55)
3 Party: CSXT,
RR Reimbursement Agreement-Synchronization of Grade
+ 725-090-31 County/City Resolution
Crossing Traffic Control Devices
(725-090-75)
RR Reimbursement Agreement-Grade Crossing Traffic Control
+ 725-090-36 3 Party: RR/JAX
Devices
RR Reimbursement Agreement-Synchronization of Grade 3 Party: RR, County/City
+ 725-090-45
Crossing Traffic Control Devices Resolution (725-090-75)

Chapter 2: Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Improvement Program Page 9

 3 Party: County/City Resolution Grade Crossing and Crossing Agreements: 725-090-
= + 725-090-53
Traffic Control Devices 23 and 725-090-24
3 Party: County/City Resolution Grade Crossing Traffic Control Agreements: 725-090-
+ 725-090-55
Devices 27 and 725-090-28
County/City Resolution-Synchronization of Grade Crossing Traffic Agreements: 725-090-
+ 725-090-75
Control Devices 31 and 725-090-45
521-16R- Notice of Reimbursable/Non-Reimbursable Utility Construction
= + Completion Notice
DW4 Work

STEP 4 - CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION PROCESS

 Preliminary Engineering and Design:
 Preliminary Engineering by the railroad company will begin with the verification
and project scope letter from the District.
 The District reviews the Design Package and submits approval to the Railroad
with a Notice to Proceed.

 Construction and Installation

 The installation project date is scheduled by the Railroad.
 The railroad company orders materials and notifies the District of scheduled
construction start date.
 The railroad company provides In-Service Notification to District Rail Coordinator.
 The District inspects project and provides approval and In-Service date letter to
Central Rail Office and the railroad company.

STEP 5 - PROJECT PAYMENT PROCESS

 Completion Date Letter: District submits 180 day project completion date letter to the
Railroad.

 Final Bill: Final bill from the Railroad is received by the District within the 180 days and
District furnishes payment (within 45 days) or contests invoice, paying final bill minus
exception.

 Exceptions to Invoice: Exceptions by the District require Railroad to submit a new

invoice with documentation. District concludes project payment within 45 days.

 Un-encumberance of Funds: The District Rail Coordinator will un-encumber funds and
notify the District Federal-Aid Coordinator.

STEP 5 - RHCI PROCESS

 District Update: Districts update RHCI with new signal information for the safety
improvement projects.

Chapter 2: Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Improvement Program Page 10

STEP 6 - PROGRAM EVALUATION
 Six-Year Before and After Report: Each July, Central Rail Office will submit the 6-Year
Before and After Report. The report is a project cost summary with comparison of
incidents and traffic volume, comparing the periods six years before and six years after
project completion.

 Conduct Quality Assurance Reviews on selected projects for compliance with

these processes.

LUMP SUM PAYMENTS

Lump sum payments may be made when:
 The railroad and Department agree to the method;
 Installation of eligible railroad work is limited to $100,000 maximum reimbursement; and
 Work must include high intensity reflectorized crossbuck projects, warning device
upgrades, lens replacement programs, crossing inventory or identification projects.

REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENTS
All railroad reimbursement agreements must:
 Clearly document all terms and conditions necessary to govern the agreement between
the railroad and Department,
 Clearly define the scope of work by identifying all tasks to be provided by the railroad,
 Establish specific deliverables (measurable events directly related to the scope),
 Require all project records to be made available for departmental inspection,
 Establish remedies for noncompliance or nonperformance, and
 Establish steps for pro-rating invoice amounts if minimum performance standards are
not met.

Chapter 2: Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Improvement Program Page 11

 CHAPTER 3

HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSING

CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION
Construction and maintenance of highway-rail grade crossings, which may include new
construction, reconstruction, widening, and/or resurfacing of a road at or near the right-of-way of
a highway railroad grade crossing, require negotiations with railroads and local governments in
accordance with Section 337.11, Florida Statutes and Rule Chapter 14-57, Florida
Administrative Code. Railroad corridor management is required for acquiring abandoned
railroad corridors according to Section 260.0161(2), Florida Statutes.

Projects may include the coordination of advance notification, pre-design, preconstruction

conferences, maintenance of traffic, field coordination, emergency surface maintenance,
inspection and billing. The Central Rail Office and the District Rail Coordinators will coordinate
with Department offices to provide these services.

CENTRAL RAIL OFFICE

The Central Rail Office responsibilities are:
 As necessary, advise the districts of project development.
 Submit project data to the Federal Aid Office.
 Schedule and coordinate flagging.
 Lead efforts for any railroad construction projects involving work not associated with
highway-rail grade crossing warning devices and/or surface maintenance. Lead the
development of any agreements, negotiations with railroad partners, and discussions on
future projects.
 Maintain communications with the Surface Transportation Board regarding actions
relating to abandonments of railroad lines.
 Perform initial screening of railroad corridors potentially available for Department
acquisition through the federal railroad abandonment notification process.
 Ensure compliance with the requirements assigned to the Department by a
Memorandum of Agreement between the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection (FDEP) and the Department regarding abandoned railroad corridor rights-of-
way.
 Evaluate applications by a local governmental entity for a rail corridor crossing permits
for a corridor where rail service has been abandoned according to 14-57.014, Florida
Administrative Code.

DISTRICT RAIL COORDINATORS

The District Rail Coordinator responsibilities are:
 Review plans, recommend and determine the eligibility of reimbursement costs to
remove, relocate, and/or install railroad facilities within construction project limits.
 Submit construction contract documents including work description sheets and
construction plans to the railroad company.
 Obtain estimates for all railroad reimbursable work.
 Obtain authority to enter railroad right-of-way.
 Review and approve railroad estimates and/or plans.
 Obtain necessary executed agreement(s) from the railroad and local government, as

Chapter 3: Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Construction and Maintenance Project Management Program Page 12
 required.
 Obtain funding and ensure execution of agreements or change orders. Distribute
agreements or change orders to all parties with the authority to proceed with work.
 Attend preconstruction conferences with highway contractors and railroads to identify
responsibilities and establish a schedule of work.
 Schedule and coordinate flagging.
 Schedule and coordinate emergency surface maintenance and repairs within the
Department and with railroads.
 Coordinate any railroad construction projects involving work not associated with
highway-rail grade crossing warning devices and surface maintenance with Central
Office rail staff. Coordinate development of any agreements, negotiations with railroad
partners, and discussions on future projects.
 Conduct site review, prior to commencement of work within the railroad right-of-way, for
the placement or relocation of facilities.
 Conduct a daily inspection or request daily reports from Department personnel on
construction progress within the railroad’s right-of-way.
 Obtain final inspection documentation to ensure project compliance.
 Approve invoices for all satisfactory completed work.
 Identify state road crossing locations that are affected by the abandonment of rail
corridors, notify the District Right-Of-Way Administrator of these locations, and request
the acquisition of the crossing areas in order to secure integrity of the state's roadway.

Chapter 3: Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Construction and Maintenance Project Management Program Page 13
 CHAPTER 4

PUBLIC HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSING

OPENING - CLOSURE PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION
The Department has regulatory authority over all public railroad-highway grade crossings in the
state, including the authority to issue permits which shall be required prior to the opening and
closing of such crossings. (Section 335.141, Florida Statutes)

DEFINITIONS
 Applicant – Any person or group impacted by the crossing; railroad operating through
the crossing; governmental entity with jurisdiction over the road; or the Department.

 Application – A Railroad Grade Crossing Application, Form 725-090-66, to open or

close a public rail grade crossing.

 Public railroad-highway grade crossing – A location at which a railroad track is

crossed at grade by a public road.

 Stipulation of Parties – A voluntary agreement between the Department, a railroad, a

governmental entity and parties with standing. The stipulation establishes the
responsibilities and actions of each party and permits the opening or closure.

 Notice of Intent – The Department’s recommendation to permit or deny the applicant’s

request. It is based upon an analysis of the request based on Rule 14-57.012, Florida
Administrative Code criteria, impacts and relevant facts.

 Administrative Hearing – A hearing based on Section 120, Florida Statutes, in which

an administrative law judge hears testimony and argument on all issues involved.

 Recommended Order – The order entered by the administrative law judge, following
the hearing, which supports or denies the opening or closure.

 Final Order – The order issued by the Department Secretary. It may be an adoption of
the Recommended Order or may overrule the order, authorizing or denying the
applicant’s request.

CHAPTER 14-57.012, FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, CRITERIA

In considering an application to open or close a public railroad-highway grade crossing, the
following criteria will apply:
 Safety

 Necessity for rail and vehicle traffic

 Alternate routes
 Effect on rail operations and expenses

Chapter 4: Public Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Opening - Closure Program Page 14

  Excessive restriction to emergency type vehicles resulting from closure
 Closure of one or more public crossings to offset opening a new crossing
 Design of the grade crossing and road approaches
 Presence of multiple tracks and their effect upon railroad and highway operations

STEPS IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS

The function of facilitating the public highway-rail grade crossing application process is
conducted by the Central Rail Office with the following steps:

 The Central Rail Office reviews the application to ensure that all necessary information is
provided and the crossing is a public, at-grade rail crossing.

 The Central Rail Office acknowledges receipt and seeks a response to the application
from all affected parties.

 The Central Rail Office does preliminary evaluation. Applicant must establish compliance
with criteria in Rule 14-57.012, FAC.

 The Central Rail Office may facilitate negotiation to resolve differences.

 If the application meets Rule 14-57.012, Florida Administrative Code criteria, and is
agreed upon by all parties, the Central Rail Office will draft a Stipulation of Parties.

 This agreement outlines each party’s responsibilities. The execution of the Stipulation of
Parties serves as a Final Order and permit to open or close the crossing.

 If the parties cannot agree through a Stipulation of Parties, the Central Rail Office will
issue a Notice of Intent to permit or deny the opening or closure of the crossing based
on data submitted in the application process.

 The Notice of Administrative Hearing Rights is submitted to all parties with the Notice of
Intent, allowing 21 days in which to request an administrative hearing.

 Acceptance of the Notice of Intent by all parties, or failure to file a request for a hearing
in accordance with Chapter 120.57, Florida Statues, by the petitioning party will result in
the execution and distribution of a Final Order by the Department.

 If an administrative hearing is requested within 21 days, the Department will refer the
petition to the Division of Administrative Hearings for scheduling.

 An Administrative Law Judge conducts a hearing and issues a Recommended Order.

 A Final Order is then executed by the Department Secretary.

 Upon completion of the opening or closure, the District Rail Coordinator will inspect the
site for compliance with the Department’s standards. Photos are provided to the Central
Rail Office.

Chapter 4: Public Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Opening - Closure Program Page 15

  Following the completion of the project, a US DOT Grade Crossing Inventory Form is
submitted to the Central Rail Office and the Federal Railroad Administration by the
District Rail Coordinator or Applicant. Crossing data is entered into the Department
RHCI by the District.

Chapter 4: Public Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Opening - Closure Program Page 16

 CHAPTER 5

RAILROAD SAFETY INSPECTION PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION
The Department Railroad Safety Inspection Program participates in the National Railroad Safety
Program to promote safety in all areas of railroad operations to reduce deaths, injuries, and
damage to railroad property. The State Railroad Safety Inspection Program helps to ensure
railroad safety for the benefit of railroad employees and Florida residents, visitors, and
commerce.

The Department Railroad Inspectors, certified by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA),
compliment the inspection activities of Federal Inspectors in the state in compliance with the
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49 Part 212 - State Safety Participation Regulations.

RAILROAD SAFETY INSPECTORS

Railroad Safety Inspectors conduct inspections and activities in the disciplines of hazardous
materials, motive power and equipment, operating practices, signal and train control, and track
inspections. Overall, Program Inspectors:
 Receive training, certification, and laptop computers from FRA
 Conduct inspections throughout the state and complete at least one Inspection Report
for each day of inspections. The reports will be:
 A list of the number of units inspected
 A detail report of any defects or violations
 Sent in a timely manner to FRA and the railroad
 Inspect Amtrak, commuter rail operations, Class I – III carriers, seaport terminal
switching companies, and tourist railroad(s)
 Provide information and guidance to railroads for compliance with Federal regulations
 Inspect businesses that ship, receive, or trans-load hazardous materials
 Recommend civil penalties for non-compliance with Federal regulations
 Conduct complaint investigations
 Conduct incident/collision investigations and support the FRA and National
Transportation Safety Board investigations
 Conduct special projects and audits with the FRA and Federal Inspectors working in
Florida
 Assist the Department’s Rail Office and District Rail Coordinators as necessary

Chapter 5: Railroad Safety Inspection Program Page 17

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INSPECTOR
The Railroad Safety Inspector for Hazardous Material (RSI-HM) conducts inspections under
CFR 49 Parts 171 – 174 and Title 49 United States Code Chapter 51 (Federal regulations for
rail transport of hazardous materials) in cooperation with FRA, Homeland Security, the
Transportation Security Agency, and local authorities

The Railroad Safety Inspector for Hazardous Material (RSI-HM) reviews industry waiver
requests and conducts statewide inspections for hazardous material compliance in the following
areas:
 tank cars and containers in railroad yards
 trains (inclusive of ammunition trains)
 businesses
 trans-loading facilities
 shipping papers
 hazardous materials placards
 placement of hazardous materials placards in trains
 required documentation
 industry compliance with training requirements
 training documentation for employees
 hazardous materials accidents and incidents

MOTIVE POWER AND EQUIPMENT

The Railroad Safety Inspector for motive power and equipment (RSI-MP&E) conducts
inspections throughout the state on passenger locomotives and cars, freight locomotives, and
industries that conduct inspections and repairs of railroad rolling stock. The Federal regulations
for equipment inspection include 49 CFR Parts 215, 223, 229, 231, 232, 238 and 239.

The RSI-MP&E ensures compliance with:

 freight car safety standards
 safety glazing standards for locomotives and passenger cars
 locomotive safety standards
 railroad safety appliance standards
 brake system safety standards
 passenger equipment safety standards
 passenger train emergency preparedness

OPERATING PRACTICES
The Railroad Safety Inspector for Operating Practices (RSI-OP) is responsible for ensuring
compliance with operational regulations found in 49 CFR Parts 214, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221,
222, 225, 228, 232 and 240. Inspections include compliance in the following areas:
 railroad operating and safety rules
 Federal regulations concerning training and testing of operating employees
 protection of employees working on track or equipment
 drug and alcohol prohibitions
 railroad communications
 train identification

Chapter 5: Railroad Safety Inspection Program Page 18

  use of locomotive horns
 accident/incident and injury reporting
 hours of service for operating employees
 secure unattended equipment
 engineer certification

SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL

The Railroad Safety Inspector for signal and train control (RSI-S&TC) conducts statewide
inspections for compliance with 49 CFR Parts 214, 228, 234, and 236. In addition to signal and
train control inspections, the RSI-S&TC works with railroad signal personnel to conduct periodic
tests on signal equipment. The RSI-S&TC also participates in the Department’s highway-rail
grade crossing diagnostic field reviews for signal safety enhancements.

Railroad Safety Inspections include:

 highway-rail grade crossing signals
 railroad wayside signals
 cab signaling (wayside and locomotive apparatus)
 Positive Train Control systems

TRACK
The Railroad Safety Inspector (RSI-Track) conducts track inspections to ensure that railroads
meet minimum track standards in compliance with 49 CFR Parts 213 and 214. Additionally, the
RSI-Track conducts bridge and roadway worker inspections. Track inspections may be
conducted by:
 hi-rail vehicles that travel on the track
 walking inspections
 inspections from FRA geometry cars
 observations made while riding the locomotive or rear car of passenger trains

Chapter 5: Railroad Safety Inspection Program Page 19

 CHAPTER 6

FLORIDA RAIL SYSTEM PLAN

INTRODUCTION
The Department is responsible for developing the Florida Rail System Plan. According to
Section 341.302(3), Florida Statutes, the rail system plan is to include an identification of
priorities, programs, and funding levels required to meet statewide needs. The plan must be
updated every five years and cover both passenger rail service and freight rail service. The
plan must be consistent with other transportation planning the Department is conducting in
recognition of the role that rail plays in the State’s overall transportation system.

The Department adopted a two-step approach to developing a Rail System Plan that meets the
various State and Federal requirements. The first step is the development of a Policy Element
to the Plan followed by a second step developing an Investment Element.

 The Policy Element: This document, the Policy Element, establishes a vision for
passenger and freight rail transportation in Florida and a policy framework of goals,
policies, and strategies to guide future state rail investments and decisions.

 The Investment Element: The Investment Element identifies an inventory of needs,

establish priorities for the investment of state funds using the policy framework of the
Policy Element, and sets forth future actions steps necessary to implement the plan.

DEFINITIONS
 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA): An economic stimulus package
enacted by the Congress in February 2009. The stimulus was intended to create jobs
and promote investment and consumer spending during the recession of 2008 and
2009.

 Commuter Rail Service: A passenger rail transport service between a city center, and
outer suburbs and commuter towns or other locations that draw large numbers of
commuters – people who travel on a daily basis. Trains operate following a schedule, at
speeds varying from 50 to 200 km/h (30 to 125 mph). Distance charges or zone pricing
may be used.

 Florida Transportation Plan: The Florida Transportation Plan (FTP) establishes long
range goals to provide a policy framework for expenditure of federal and state
transportation funds in Florida. Every five years, the Department takes the lead in
updating this plan to respond to new trends and challenges to meet the future mobility
needs of Florida's residents, visitors and businesses.

 Freight Rail Service: A type of rail service comprised of a group of freight cars hauled
by one or more locomotives on a railway, ultimately transporting cargo between two
points as part of the logistics chain. Trains may haul bulk material, intermodal
containers, general freight or specialized freight in purpose-designed cars.

 High-Speed Rail Service: A type of passenger rail transport that operates significantly
faster than the normal speed of rail traffic. The International Union of Railways defines
high-speed rail as systems of rolling stock and infrastructure which regularly operate at

Chapter 6: Florida Rail System Plan Page 20

 or above 250 km/h (150 mph) on new tracks, or 200 km/h (120 mph) on existing tracks.
A definitive aspect of high speed rail is the use of continuous welded rail which reduces
track vibrations and discrepancies between rail segments enough to allow trains to pass
at such high speeds.

 Intercity Passenger Rail Service: A passenger rail transport service that covers longer
distances than commuter or regional trains.

 Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIIA): Federal legislation that
strengthens the US passenger rail network by tasking Amtrak, the USDOT, FRA, States,
and other stakeholders in improving service, operations, and facilities. PRIIA focuses on
intercity passenger rail, including Amtrak’s long-distance routes and the Northeast
Corridor (NEC), state-sponsored corridors throughout the Nation, and the development
of high-speed rail corridors.

 Passenger Rail Service: A type of rail service which includes passenger-carrying

vehicles. It may be a self-powered multiple unit or railcar, or else a combination of one or
more locomotives and one or more unpowered trailers known as coaches, cars, or
carriages. Passenger trains travel between stations or depots, at which passengers may
board and disembark. In most cases, passenger trains operate on a fixed schedule and
have superior track occupancy rights over freight trains.

PRIIA AND OTHER FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS

 In 2008, Congress passed the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIIA)
requiring states to prepare a State Rail Plan to be eligible for federal funding and
defining the elements required to be in a plan.

 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), passed by Congress in 2009,
requires projects funded using Intercity Passenger Rail Service Corridor Capital
Assistance (Section 301) funding be included in a State Rail Plan.

 49USC22102 requires states that receive federal financial assistance for state rail
projects establish an adequate plan for rail transportation in the state and a suitable
process for updating, revising, and modifying the plan.

 49USC227 establishes the guidelines for preparing state rail plans.

FLORIDA RAIL SYSTEM PLAN LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

 The requirements for developing a State rail plan are as follows:
(1) Florida State Statute, Chapter 341.302(3) establishes the authority of the
Department’s rail office to prepare, maintain, coordinate, and administer the plan;
(2) It is the Department secretary’s authority to approve the plan;
(3) The State’s approved plan is to then submitted to the US Secretary of
Transportation for review; and
(4) The initial plan shall be completed no later than January 1, 2011, and be revised
and resubmitted every 5 years for re-approval by the US Secretary of
Transportation.

Chapter 6: Florida Rail System Plan Page 21

  The purposes of a State rail plan are as follows:
(1) Set forth the State policy regarding freight and passenger rail transportation,
including commuter rail operations, in the State.
(2) Establish the period covered by the State rail plan.
(3) Present priorities and strategies to enhance rail service in the State that benefits
the public.
(4) Serve as the basis for Federal and State rail investments within the State.

 Florida’s Rail System Plan shall be coordinated with other State transportation planning
goals and programs and set forth rail transportation’s role within the State transportation
system.

 The Department shall provide adequate and reasonable notice and opportunity for
comment and other input to the public, rail corridors, commuter, and transit authorities
operating in, or affected by rail operations within the State, units of local government,
and other interested parties in the preparation and review of the State rail plan.

 The Department shall review the freight and passenger rail service activities/initiatives
proposed by regional planning agencies, regional transportation authorities, and
municipalities both within the State and with neighboring states in the Southeast U.S.
and shall include any recommendations made by such agencies, authorities, and
municipalities as deemed appropriate by the State.

FLORIDA RAIL SYSTEM PLAN CONTENT

Florida’s rail system plan shall, at a minimum, contain the following:
 An inventory of the existing overall rail transportation system and rail services and
facilities within the State and an analysis of the role of rail transportation in the Florida
Transportation Plan.
 A review of all rail lines within the State, including the proposed high-speed rail corridors
and significant rail line segments not currently in service.
 A statement of the State’s passenger rail service objectives, including minimum service
levels, for rail transportation routes in the State.
 A general analysis of rail’s transportation, economic, and environmental impacts in the
State, including congestion mitigation, trade, and economic development, air quality,
land-use, energy-use, and community impacts.
 A long-range rail investment program for current and future freight and passenger
infrastructure in the State.
 A statement of public financing issues for rail projects and service in the State, including
a list of current and prospective public capital and operating funding resources, public
subsidies, State taxation, and other financial policies relating to rail infrastructure
development.
 An identification of rail infrastructure issues within the State that reflects consultation with
all relevant stakeholders.
 A review of major passenger and freight intermodal rail connections and facilities within
the State, including seaports, and prioritized options to maximize service integration and
efficiency between rail and other modes of transportation within the State.

Chapter 6: Florida Rail System Plan Page 22

  A review of publicly funded projects within the State to improve rail transportation safety
and security.
 A performance evaluation of passenger rail services operating in the State, including
possible improvements in those services, and a description of strategies to achieve
those improvements.
 A compilation of studies and reports on high-speed rail corridor development within the
State and a plan for funding any recommended development of such corridors in the
State.
 A statement that the State is in compliance with the requirements of 49CFR22102.
 A long-range rail investment program should be included in a State rail plan that shall, at
a minimum, including the following matters:
 A list of any rail capital projects expected to be undertaken or supported in whole
or part by the State.
 A detailed funding plan for those projects.
 A list of rail capital projects should be included in a State rail plan that shall contain:
 A description of the anticipated public and private benefits of each such project,
and
 A statement of the correlation between –
- Public funding contributions for the projects; and
- The public benefits.
 In preparing the list of freight and intercity passenger rail capital projects, a State
rail transportation authority should take into consideration the following matters:
- Contributions made by non-Federal and not-State sources through user
fees, matching funds, or other private capital involvement.
- Rail capacity and congestion effects.
- Effects on highway, aviation, and maritime capacity, congestion, or safety.
- Regional balance.
- Environmental impact.
- Economic and employment impacts.
- Projected ridership and other service measures for passenger rail
projects.

Chapter 6: Florida Rail System Plan Page 23

 CHAPTER 7

RAIL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN

INTRODUCTION
The Rail Emergency Management Plan provides guidance for statewide planning and response to
railroad systems and resources before, during, and after an emergency or disaster situation.

RESOURCES
 Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
 Transportation Emergency Operation Center (TEOC)
 State Emergency Operations center (SEOC),
 Emergency Support Functions 1 (ESF 1) of Florida Division of Emergency Management
 Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

ACTIVITIES
The Central Office Rail Manager will assign Central Rail Office staff specific rail functions during
an emergency/disaster. Rail resources coordinated by the Central Rail Office will be focused on
the following activities:

 Plan, coordinate, and implement appropriate preventative measures for emergency

disaster situations;

 Work with TEOC, affected Railroads, and District Rail Coordinators.

 Implement a Department post emergency/disaster field review and assessment of

highway-railroad grade crossings, led by District Rail Coordinators.

 Determine highway-rail grade crossings impacted by emergency/disaster.

 Coordinate rail emergency or disaster requirements for state and federal funds with
District Rail Coordinators, FHWA, FEMA, and FRA.

 Provide data to TEOC, in order to prepare maps of the operational status of rail lines
during the disaster recovery period.

ORGANIZATION
 Information on the railroads’ operational status will be collected in cooperation with the
FRA and will be relayed to TEOC.

 The Central Office Rail Manager, or designee, will serve as the primary point of contact
for railroad-related issues in support of TEOC, ESF-1, and SEOC.

Chapter 7: Rail Emergency Management Plan Page 24

COMMUNICATION
 Central Rail Office will coordinate communications with Railroads, FRA and Rail Industry
officials through a single point of contact, for resources to be prioritized and directed to
areas of greatest need. Railroads and FRA will provide supplemental information on
disaster damages and rail system’s operating status for preparation of up-to-date maps
for TEOC and emergency management.

 Central Rail Office will maintain a repository of contact information for rail
representatives.

RECOVERY:
 Central Office Rail Manager will assign available Department Rail Inspectors to assist
FRA and rail industry in initial assessment of damage to rail lines.

 Central Office Rail Manager will designate Department Rail Inspector(s) to team with
appropriate District Rail Coordinator(s) in emergency/disaster areas.

 Field reviews will include a minimum of two (2) photographs of the damage and the
completion of an assessment of rail crossing signal damage prior to repairs.

COORDINATION
 Central Rail Office will maintain a list of candidate crossings that may be temporarily
closed.

 Once temporary crossing closures are implemented, lists will be provided to local law
enforcement agencies, emergency services, hospitals, public works, railroads, and etc.

WORK PROGRAM MANAGEMENT:

 Emergency/disaster must be declared by the Governor before the Department can
receive reimbursement for work performed after the event. Work performed off the State
Highway System will not be covered under FHWA Emergency Relief (ER) funds.

 Central and District Work Program Development Offices will coordinate with FHWA and
FEMA on repair and replacement funding. A lump sum payment agreement will be
completed by each District Rail Coordinator.

 The Central Rail Office will facilitate funding reimbursement following the proper
paperwork submittal by the District(s). District Rail Coordinator will work with FHWA,
FEMA, railroads, and local communities on reporting and funding eligibility.

Chapter 7: Rail Emergency Management Plan Page 25

 CHAPTER 8

USE OF LOCOMOTIVE HORNS AT HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSINGS

AND QUIET ZONE APPLICATION PROCESS

INTRODUCTION
The Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings (49 CFR Parts 222 and 229) is
established to maintain a high level of public safety, respond to the concerns of communities
seeking relief from unwanted horn noise, and establish requirements for sounding locomotive
horns at rail crossings. In compliance with 49 CFR Part 222, the application process for
establishing Quiet Zones, this chapter provides guidance to all parties participating in the
application process. Public Authorities applying for a Quiet Zone should contact the Federal
Railroad Administration (http://www.fra.dot.gov/rpd/freight/1318.shtml).

DEFINITIONS
 Alternative Safety Measure (ASM) – A safety system or procedure provided by the
appropriate traffic control authority, which, after a review and analysis, is determined by
the FRA to be an effective substitute for the locomotive horn at specific rail crossings

 Applicant – Only the Public Authority (i.e., city, county, or state governmental entity with
jurisdictional maintenance responsibility of the public, highway-rail grade crossing) can
apply to the FRA for a Quiet Zone. If more than one Public Authority is involved, all must
agree to the Quiet Zone.

 Diagnostic Field Review Team – A group of trained, qualified experts assembled to

assess the physical and operating characteristics and conditions of the rail crossings,
within the proposed Quiet Zone, to determine crossing safety requirements for
compliance with the Train Horn Rule.

 Quiet Zone Funding – All Quiet Zone improvements must be locally funded unless
otherwise qualified. Title 23 USC Section 130 funds may not be used for Quiet Zone
improvements. The entire rail corridor within the limits of the Quiet Zone should be
reviewed to determine the most cost-effective improvements.

 Public Authority – City, county, or state governmental entity with jurisdictional

maintenance responsibility of the public, highway-rail grade crossing(s) located within
the proposed Quiet Zone.

 Quiet Zone – A section of a rail line at least one-half mile in length that contains one or
more public crossings at which locomotive horns are not routinely sounded.

 Supplemental Safety Measures (SSMs) – Engineering improvements at rail crossings

within a Quiet Zone that would reduce the risk of a collision at the crossing. SSMs are
installed to reduce the risk level to the level that would exist if the train horn was
sounded or to a level below the Nationwide Significant Risk Threshold. Approved SSMs
include:
 Permanent closure
 4 quadrant gates
 Gates with channelization devices or median barriers

Chapter 8: Train Horn Rule And Quiet Zone Application Process Page 26
  One way streets with gates that fully block the street
 Temporary closure

REQUIREMENT TO SOUND THE LOCOMOTIVE HORN

Safety at public highway-rail grade crossings requires locomotive horn use except in quiet
zones established and maintained in accordance with 49 CFR Part 222. The Final Rule
reduces total noise exposure by setting a maximum horn sounding durational and a maximum
horn sound level.
 Railroads must sound the horn 15-20 seconds prior to a train’s arrival at the rail
crossing, but not more than ¼ mile in advance of the crossing.
 The pattern for sounding the horn remains as two long, one short, one long repeated or
prolonged until the locomotive occupies the rail crossing.
 Locomotive engineers may vary this pattern for sounding the horn as necessary where
rail crossings are closely spaced.
 The minimum volume level of the train horn is 96 dB(A) and the maximum is 110 dB(A).

QUIET ZONE APPLICATION PROCESS – PUBLIC AUTHORITIES

 Notice of Intent: Public Authorities must provide a written Notice of Intent allowing a 60-
day comment period for the Department and railroad. The Notice of Intent will be
provided to the following:
 Federal Railroad Administration
 All railroads that operate over Quiet Zone rail line
 The Central Rail Office and District Rail Coordinator(s) responsible for crossing
safety
 The law enforcement authority having control over vehicular traffic at the
crossings
 The state agency responsible for highway safety
 Landowner(s) of any private crossings within the Quiet Zone
 Public Authorities will coordinate diagnostic field reviews for the Quiet Zone crossings (to
include public, private and pedestrian crossings).
 Public Authorities must work with railroads regarding the cost of supplemental safety
measures and maintenance.
 Public Authorities will calculate the safety risk by adjusting for increased risk resulting
from the silencing of the train horn and decreased risk for safety improvements (i.e.,
SSMs or ASMs).
 Public Authorities must install safety improvements in compliance with the Manual on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices and the Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway-Rail
Grade Crossings (49 CFR Parts 222 and 229).
 Notice of Quiet Zone Establishment: When a Quiet Zone has been approved by the
FRA, Public Authorities must provide by certified mail (return receipt requested) a Notice
of Quiet Zone Establishment to the same recipients of the Notice of Intent (see above),
no later than 21 days before the date on which train horns are scheduled to cease
sounding. The Notice of Quiet Zone Establishment cannot be served earlier than 60
days after the Notice of Intent was mailed, unless the Notice of Quiet Zone
Establishment contains a written statement affirming that written comments and/or ‘no
comment’ statements have been received from each recipient of the Notice of Intent.
The Notice of Quiet Zone Establishment will include an accurate and complete USDOT
Grade Crossing Inventory Form for each public, private, and pedestrian grade crossing

Chapter 8: Train Horn Rule And Quiet Zone Application Process Page 27
 within the quiet zone that reflects the conditions existing at the crossing before any new
SSMs or ASMs were implemented.

QUIET ZONE APPLICATION PROCESS – RAILROADS

 Railroads cannot prohibit the creation of a Quiet Zone.
 Railroads may sound the horn in a Quiet Zone at the sole judgment of the engineer.

QUIET ZONE APPLICATION PROCESS – DEPARTMENT

 Department retains their role relative to engineering standards and ordering
implementation of safety improvements.
 Department provides primary expertise for highway-rail crossing safety.
 Department serves as a member of the Diagnostic Field Review Team.
 Department (District Rail Coordinator) will ensure that the RHCI and FRA Grade
Crossing Inventory is updated to accurately reflect SSMs and ASMs upon establishment
of the Quiet Zone.

NEW QUIET ZONE REQUIREMENTS

 All public crossings must have gates, lights, constant warning time devices, and power-
out indicators.
 The inventory information for each crossing in the Quiet Zone must be accurate and
complete prior to establishing the Quiet Zone.
 Crossing within the Quiet Zone must comply with Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices (MUTCD).
 Private crossing requirements:
 Any private crossing that allows access to the public, or which provide access to
active industrial and commercial private crossings must have a diagnostic field
review and are subject to the recommendations of the diagnostic field review
team.
 At a minimum, each approach to every private highway-rail grade crossing within
a Quiet Zone shall be marked by a crossbuck, a ‘‘STOP’’ sign, and an advance
warning sign that advises the motorist that train horns are not sounded at the
crossing (compliant with MUTCD standards).
 Pedestrian crossing requirements:
 Pedestrian crossings in a Quiet Zone must have a diagnostic field review and are
subject to the recommendations of the diagnostic field review team.
 At a minimum, each approach to every pedestrian grade crossing within a Quiet
Zone shall be marked by a crossbuck, a ‘‘STOP’’ sign, and an advance warning
sign that advises the pedestrian that train horns are not sounded at the crossing
(compliant with MUTCD standards).

Chapter 8: Train Horn Rule And Quiet Zone Application Process Page 28