Blocked Crossings

A crossing can become blocked when a train is required to stop for a signal or during switching operations. Even if the crossing is not physically occupied by a train, if a train is standing on the track circuits used to activate the crossing warning system, the flashing ‑light signals and crossing gates may activate and indicate to road users that a train is approaching the grade crossing. Appendix C to the FHWA/FRA Noteworthy Practices Guide (58) notes the following consequences of blocked crossings:

•Excessive Roadway Delays

•Increased Emergency Response Time

•Truck Traffic Detours onto Local Streets

•Pedestrians Cutting Through or Under Trains The FRA regulations do not specifically address the length of time a train may block a grade crossing. However, FRA regulations do address standing (idling) trains that unnecessarily activate grade crossing warning devices such as flashing lights and gate arms.(59) FRA regulations specifically prohibit standing trains, locomotives, or other rail equipment from interfering with the normal functioning of crossing warning devices without first taking measures to provide for the safety of highway traffic. Responsibility for grade crossings varies among the States. For some, it is divided between several public agencies and the railroad. In other States, jurisdiction is assigned to regulatory agencies such as public utility commissions, public service commissions, or State corporation commissions. Still other States split the authority among State, county, and city governmental agencies that have jurisdiction and responsibility for their respective highway systems. (11) Where there is a conflict between the State law and federal rail safety requirements, the courts have found the State law to be superseded by federal requirements. 153Solutions to Blocked Crossings Appendix C to the Noteworthy Practices Guide addresses potential remedies and encourages States to address these issues in their respective State Action Plans.a Improved communication between the railroad, the local community, and local emergency services personnel is encouraged. Potential operational changes that a railroad might make include the following:

•Hold a train outside the congested area until it can move through the grade crossing without stopping

•Improve management of rail yard traffic to accommodate train movements more efficiently

•Trains awaiting a crew change should be located in an area that allows minimal frequency of blocked crossings

•Break a long train by de ‑coupling two rail cars to allow the resumption of highway traffic when it is anticipated that a grade crossing will be blocked for an extended period Potential mitigation strategies for chronic grade crossing blockages include the following:

•Use private and/or public investments to: ̶Add tracks, lengthen sidings, or make other rail infrastructure improvements ̶Create grade separations where the highway is located above or below the tracks ̶Close and consolidate grade crossings to mitigate congestion and improve traffic flow ̶Relocate a rail line to a completely new right-of-way

•Develop and deploy technology such as Positive Train Control with Global Positioning System to precisely locate and better plan train movements and Electronically Controlled Pneumatic brakes to reduce the frequency of, and the time it takes to perform, federally required air brake tests

•Provide advance warning of blocked grade crossings to motorists and emergency responders and recommend possible alternate routes via Intelligent Transportation Systems

•Improve communication between, and provide training for, railroads, local communities, State agencies, and emergency responders

•Encourage local governments to formally consider the potential for new residential or commercial development to generate more highway traffic and how such developments may impact grade crossing use, safety and emergency response a The Railroad Safety Improvement Act (RSIA) of 2008 required the ten states with the highest number of grade crossing collisions during 2006, 2007 and 2008 to develop action plans identifying specific solutions for improving safety at crossings.