The crossing safety program participates in the cost of safety improvements at public highway-railroad grade crossings. These funds are used to install new crossing signal devices, to upgrade existing signals, and to provide low-cost improvements; such as increased sight distance, widened crossings, increased signal lens size, or crossing closures. However, the available funding allows only a limited number of safety improvements each year.
Both the railroad and roadway jurisdiction must apply for crossing safety funding using the project request form. Applications are due by July 1 to be considered for the next annual funding cycle.
The Iowa DOT has established standards for warning devices at highway railroad crossings designed to reduce injuries, fatalities, and property damage. These standards regulate the use of warning devices and signs, and provide guidance to implement Iowa Code sections 307.26(7)”b” and 327G.2. It is the responsibility of the government agency or department or political subdivision having jurisdiction and control of the highway to carry out the implementation of the standards found within Part 8 - Traffic Controls for Railroad and Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings, of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Devices (11th Edition), published by the Federal Highway Administration. Advance warning signs (circular signs) and pavement markings at a highway-railroad crossing are the responsibility of the highway authority (city, county or state). Damaged or illegible signs or markings should be reported to the highway authority (the agency that maintains the roadway.) Crossbucks, lights, lights and gates or other signage at the crossing are the responsibility of the railroad. Damaged or illegible signs or malfunctioning active warning devices (lights or lights and gates) should be reported to the railroad.
Priorities for this funding are determined through a benefit cost analysis. This analysis takes into consideration the extent of vehicle and train traffic at the crossing, speed of trains, certain characteristics of the crossing, effectiveness of the proposed improvement, estimated cost of the improvement and other factors. Generally, those crossings with a high probability for a serious crash with a proposed improvement anticipated to be effective and cost efficient will receive the highest priority. These funds cannot be utilized specifically to establish a quiet zone.
PPM 500.09 is the directive for implementing these funds.
Applications, Recommendations and Awards
Applications
Awards (Approved by the Iowa Transportation Commission)
Projects will be advanced if funding becomes available.
For additional information:
The Guide to Transportation Funding Programs (Funding Guide) provides information on this and a variety of other funding programs available for transportation projects.
WA-DOT preemption worksheet: A resource for roadway authorities to calculate the preemption timing for traffic signal / railroad signal interconnections (Preemption tool worksheet instructions).