Railway-Highways Crossing (Section 130) Program

Railroad crossing sign

Overview

The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) continued the $220 million annual set-aside under 23 USC 130.  The funds are set-aside from the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) apportionment.  The program provides funds for the elimination of hazards at railway-highway crossings.  The funds are apportioned to States by formula.  For information on MAP-21 apportionments by State, please see the MAP-21 funding tables.

Eligibility

The Section 130 program funds are eligible for projects at all public crossings including roadways, bike trails and pedestrian paths.  Fifty percent of a State’s apportionment is dedicated for the installation of protective devices at crossings.  The remainder of the funds apportionment can be used for any hazard elimination project, including protective devices.  In accordance with 23 USC 130(i), the funds can be used as incentive payments for local agencies to close public crossings provided there are matching funds from the railroad.  Also, in accordance with 23 USC 130(h), the funds can be used for local agencies to provide matching funds for State-funded projects.
Typically Section 130 projects are funded at a 90% federal share, however certain projects under 23 USC 120(c)(1) allow for up to a 100% federal share.  These include the closure of a grade crossing and the installation of traffic signs and signals.
For more information please see the following links:

Program Requirements

In accordance with 23 USC 130(d), Each State is required to conduct and systematically maintain a survey of all highways to identify those railroad crossings that may require separation, relocation, or protective devices, and establish and implement a schedule of projects for this purpose. At a minimum this schedule is to provide signs for all railway-highway crossings.

In accordance with 23 USC 130(g), States are required to submit annual reports on the progress being made to implement this program.  For additional information please see the Railway-Highways Crossings Program Reporting Guidance.

In accordance with 23 USC 130(l), States are required to update information in the DOT crossing inventory database, including information about warning devices and signage, for each public crossing.  The crossing inventory database is maintained by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).  For more information, see the FRA's National Grade Crossing Inventory Page.

Additional Information:

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Program Contact

James Dahlem

202-366-9265

What's New

New Recording Devices for Interconnected Grade Crossing and Intersection Signal Systems: An Informational Report

Highlights

Highway-Rail Crossing Safety Action Plan