Railroad Grade Crossing Maintenance
Background
Beginning July 1, 2002, the Georgia Department of Transportation has been charged with investigating, reviewing and issuing orders necessary for purposes of compliance with the maintenance requirements of the Official Code of Georgia, Annotated (O.C.G.A.) Sections 32-6-190, 202 & 203, otherwise known as HB 1382. O.C.G.A only covers grade crossings on public roads. Private grade crossings are not addressed by HB 1382 or the directive referenced below.
The law (O.C.G.A. Sections 32-6-190 , 202 & 203) provides that if a local government formally requests a railroad to better maintain a crossing and the railroad fails to do so to the local government's satisfaction, then the local government can file a written request (with a $500 fee) for review by the Georgia Department of Transportation. To this end, the Georgia Department of Transportation will determine if the requested maintenance action is needed. If the Georgia Department of Transportation determines that the requested action is required, the railroad will be ordered to perform the required maintenance or may be subject to civil penalty.
GDOT Directive on Railroad Crossing Maintenance
Provided below is the directive (GDOT Policy # 6865-10) created by the Georgia Department of Transportation in response to the requirements documented in the O.C.G.A. This directive provides guidance in resolving disputes between Railroads and Governing Authorities over matters relating to maintenance of crossing surfaces on all public road/railroad grade crossings now in existence and those which may hereafter be established.
Railroad Owner Contact List for Maintenance Requests
Local governments shall use the map and contact list provided below to directly contact the responsible Railroad prior to contacting the Georgia Department of Transportation regarding any railroad crossing maintenance issues involving county roads and city streets:
Contacts
Contact our State Railroad Liaison Engineer for more information regarding Railroad Grade Crossing Maintenance.