Design and Construction

The design of highway-rail crossing improvement projects is usually completed by the State or engineering consultant selected by the State (per FHWA federal-aid requirements for consultant selection) where federal and State funds are to be used or by the local roadway authority or its engineering consultant when local funds are to be used. The railroad signal department usually prepares the design for the active traffic control system, including the train detection circuits. In addition, the railroad signal department usually prepares a detailed cost estimate of the work. Adequate provision for needed easements, rights of way, temporary crossings for construction purposes, or other property interests should be included in the project design and covered in the agreement.