Railroad Crossing Safety Programs

There are over 10,000 at-grade (level) railroad crossings in the State of California. Like any other intersection, the potential for collisions exists. However, unlike other vehicles trains cannot stop on short notice. The primary focus of the Railroad Crossing Safety Branch is to work in partnership with Railroads, the Federal Highway Administration, CA Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and local agencies to improve the safety at railroad crossings throughout the state. The Federal government has provided specific funding for selected projects through Title 23, Section 130 of the United States Code, and Section 1103(f) of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA-LU).

In addition to Federal funding the State also funds two programs for the improvement of safety at railroad crossings. Those programs are the Section 190 Grade Separation Program, in partnership with the CPUC; and the 1B bond funded Highway-Railroad Crossing Safety Account (HRCSA). Both of these programs are for the construction of grade separations.

Although not safety related, this branch is currently tasked with reporting and oversight of several Trade Corridor Improvement Projects, funded under the 1B Bond program (TCIF). These projects consist of track and infrastructure improvements at ports and along high volume freight & passenger rail corridors within the state.

Section 130 Program Guidelines

Section 190 Grade Separation Program Guidelines