Within the DFW Metropolitan Planning Area, there are approximately 2,500 locations where railroads
and roadways cross. Of those, only about 500 are currently grade-separated, where the road
or
rail passes on a bridge above or trench below the other; the
remaining
2,000 crossings occur at-grade.
The type of warning devices that exist at these at-grade crossings varies widely. Some rail crossings
are gated and
have signalized controls such as flashing lights. These electric devices are referred to
as active warning devices. Other crossings have only passive (non-electric) warning devices such as
stop signs, railroad
crossing signs, and pavement markings. In addition, the active devices at some
locations are old and unreliable.
Recognizing the importance of addressing safety and reliability issues, the Regional Transportation
Council
(RTC) set aside funds to improve some of these 2,000 at-grade crossings. Partnering with
the
Texas
Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the railroads, and local governments, NCTCOG staff
performed an
inventory of recent upgrades at these locations. NCTCOG staff then developed a data
review process that
allowed the funding program to move forward.
The Railroad Crossing Reliability Partnership Program (RCRPP) began with local partners assisting in the
identification of crossings that had safety and/or reliability constraints. That portion of the data review process
resulted in a list of rail crossings which were identified for potential improvement. In August 2003, the RTC
solicited applications related to improvements at those crossings. In the summer of 2004, an initial round
of projects was selected from eligible applications, with the second round of projects receiving approval in
the summer of 2005.
Railroad Crossing Improvements - Mobility 2030
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Train Horn/Quiet Zone Website and Rules
Inventory
Disclaimers: NCTCOG disclaimer
FRA disclaimer
Preliminary list of crossings (November 2002): PDF, Excel
All Crossings: Excel
Crossings Currently Grade-Separated: PDF, Excel
Recently Funded Crossings: PDF, Excel
Crossings Shapefile - zipped (for use with GIS such as ArcView)
Federal Railroad Administration Data Source
Presentations
Draft NCTCOG Staff Recommendations for Funding (June 2004)
Detailed Scoring Tables (July 2004)
Presentation to RTC (July 8, 2004)
RTC Approved Funding Recommendations (August 2004)
Staff
- Rebekah Karasko, AICP, Senior Transportation Planner (Lead)
- Kyler Erhard, Transportation Planner II
- Lisa Key, Administrative Assistant II
- Kevin Feldt, AICP, Program Manager
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