RAILROAD CROSSING SIGNALS - S.B. 632: COMMITTEE SUMMARY

Senate Bill 632 (as introduced 6-3-99)

Sponsor: Senator Art Miller, Jr.

Committee: Transportation and Tourism


Date Completed: 3-21-00


CONTENT


The bill would amend the Railroad Code to provide that in the case of a city with a population of more than 100,000 that had experienced a fatal accident at a crossing within the preceding 12 months, the city's legislative body could require the railroad to install flashing signals and/or gates at that crossing at the entire expense of the railroad.


Currently, the Department of Transportation may prescribe active traffic control devices to warn of the approach of trains about to cross a street or highway at public railroad grade crossings consisting of signals with signs, circuitry, or crossing gates and other appurtenances as depicted in the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Except as otherwise provided in the Code, the cost of any installation, alteration, or modernization of active traffic control devices must be at equal expense of the railroad and road authority. "Road authority" means a governmental agency having jurisdiction over public streets and highways, and includes the Department, any other State agency, and county, city, and village governmental agencies responsible for the construction, repair, and maintenance of streets and highways.


MCL 462.315 - Legislative Analyst: L. Arasim


FISCAL IMPACT


Public Act 51 of 1951 allocates $3 million annually to the rail grade crossing account. The funding is used to meet the cost, in whole or in part, of installation and improvement of new or existing safety devices, or other rail grade crossing improvements. To the extent that this bill would require the railroad to pay the entire cost of crossing improvements in certain cases, State and local governments would realize savings.


- Fiscal Analyst: B. BowermanS9900\s632sa

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.