MoDOT Releases Railroad Crossing Safety Plan Recommendations

The Missouri Department of Transportation announced the report containing the recommendations for better safety at Missouri’s passive rail crossings. The idea for the report was part of the actions which came from the June 27th, 2022 crash of an Amtrak train and dump truck near Mendon which killed 4 people. Missouri Department of Transportation Director Patrick McKenna says the Department is trying to reduce the safety gap from railroad crossings on state routes and those owned by local governments.

Passive crossings are crossings which do not include flashing lights or automatic gates. 47 passive crossings are along passenger rail lines in Missouri. Those rail lines received focus from the initial independent study.

The cost for those improvements is estimated to be $18.5 million dollars. The Missouri General Assembly approved $50 million dollars in funding for safety improvements at Missouri railroad crossings in the last legislative session. Funding will be available to local communities to apply for additional advanced signage on roads as drivers approach a railroad crossing. These crossings could already have lights and gates, but additional advance warnings signs can further alert drivers to the situation ahead.

The next MoDOT study will focus on four railroad corridors across the state that carry freight only. MoDOT will also be working with railroads on a potential grants to address passive crossings on these other lines through Missouri.