Blocked Rail Crossings Safety Improvement Act of 2021
3/6/2023, 4:00 PMSummary of Bill HR 9690
Bill 117 HR 9690, also known as the Blocked Rail Crossings Safety Improvement Act of 2021, aims to address the issue of blocked rail crossings in the United States. The bill seeks to improve safety at these crossings by implementing measures to prevent trains from blocking them for extended periods of time.One key provision of the bill is the requirement for railroads to develop and implement plans to minimize the time that crossings are blocked by trains. This includes establishing protocols for quickly clearing blocked crossings and communicating with local authorities to coordinate responses to blocked crossings.
Additionally, the bill calls for increased fines for railroads that repeatedly block crossings for extended periods of time. These fines are intended to incentivize railroads to take proactive measures to prevent blockages and ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians. Overall, the Blocked Rail Crossings Safety Improvement Act of 2021 aims to improve safety at rail crossings and reduce the impact of blocked crossings on communities. By implementing measures to prevent blockages and holding railroads accountable for excessive blockages, the bill seeks to enhance the safety and efficiency of the nation's rail transportation system.
Congressional Summary of HR 9690
Blocked Rail Crossings Safety Improvement Act of 2021
This bill addresses safety and congestion along railroad right-of-way and highway-rail grade crossings.
For example, the bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide grants to (1) assist state, local, and tribal governments in funding the cost of highway-rail grade crossing separation projects; and (2) help nonprofit organizations carry out public information and education programs to help prevent and reduce rail-related pedestrian, motor vehicle, and other incidents, injuries, and fatalities, and to improve awareness along railroad right-of-way and at highway-rail grade crossings.
Additionally, the bill prohibits railroad carriers from obstructing travel at public highway-rail crossings for more than 10 minutes, except under limited circumstances (e.g., safety issues).
Further, DOT must (1) establish a national blocked crossings database for the public to report blocked crossing incidents; (2) conduct a comprehensive review of the national highway-rail crossing inventory; and (3) revise its regulations, guidance, or other relevant agency documents to include the number of suicides on a railroad crossing or railroad right-of-way in the total number of rail fatalities it reports each year.
