Railroad Crossings
Which vehicles are required to stop at railroad crossings?
- any motor vehicle carrying passengers for-hire
- any school bus, whether carrying passengers or not
- any vehicle carrying explosive substances, flammable liquids, or liquid gas under pressure as a cargo or part of a cargo
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How long can a train block a crossing?
Trains are not to block public roads or streets longer than 10 minutes. See Minnesota Statutes 219.383 subd. 3.This statute does not apply to cities of the first class (Duluth, Minneapolis, Rochester and St. Paul) who may enact their own ordinances regulating street obstructions.
Blocked crossings should be reported to the railroads at the contact number listed on the blue and white Emergency Notification Sign at the crossing, as train dispatchers may be able to resolve the problem. Provide the dispatcher with the USDOT crossing identifier located on the sign.
The local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the crossing area may also be notified about non-compliance with the blocked crossing statute or ordinance.
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What should the train's speed be in a residential area and rural area?
Speeds will vary from 10 mph or less to 79 mph. The train speed is primarily dependent on the track condition, the geometric layout of the tracks and the signal system capabilities. To find out the speed at a particular crossing, contact the particular railroad company first for the latest information. If information is not available, contact MnDOT's Office of Freight & Commercial Vehicle Operations.
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How do I find out more information about a particular crossing or train line?
Contact the particular railroad company first. If you're unable to locate appropriate contact information, contact the railroad's central offices -- typically a public works engineer. If information is not available, contact MnDOT's Office of Freight & Commercial Vehicle Operations.
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Who do I contact if I want to file a complaint about a crossing?
Contact the particular railroad company first. If you're unable to locate appropriate contact information, contact their central offices -- typically a public works engineer. If information is not available, contact MnDOT's Office of Freight & Commercial Vehicle Operations.
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Who inspects the crossings and tracks?
Railroad tracks and crossings are inspected by railroads regularly. How often ranges from daily to monthly, depending on condition and use of the track. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and MnDOT make periodic inspections, depending on use. The FRA will also respond to complaints about track conditions.
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Who maintains the advance warning signs, crossbuck and wood post, signals or the crossing surface?
- Advance warning signs: Maintained by the local road authority
- Crossbuck and wood post: Maintained by particular railroad company
- Signals: Maintained by particular railroad company
- Crossing surface: Maintained by particular railroad company
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How can I request that signals be installed at a particular crossing?
For best results, contact your
city or county engineer, or MnDOT's Office of Freight & Commercial Vehicle Operations.
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How can I apply for various safety programs?
For best results, contact your
city or county engineer, or MnDOT's Office of Freight & Commercial Vehicle Operations.
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What is the purpose of the USDOTNO tag and how is it located at a crossing?
The USDOTNO tag is an identification tag for a crossing. Public and private crossings are assigned USDOTNO tags by the Federal Railroad Administration. They are located on the side of the wood post facing roadways, or banded to the signal mask.
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What is the typical location of signs in advance of railroad crossings?
Contact your local county or MnDOT traffic office. The information can be found in the Minnesota Manual of Traffic Control Devices.
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What is the typical height and lateral clearance of signs?
Contact your local county or MnDOT traffic office. The information can be found in the Minnesota Manual of Traffic Control Devices.
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Who do I contact if a signal is malfunctioning at a railroad crossing?
Contact the particular railroad company first. If you're unable to locate appropriate contact information, contact their central offices. If information is not available, contact Peter Dahlberg, 651-366-3693 at MnDOT's Office of Freight & Commercial Vehicle Operations. Please have the crossing USDOT number, railroad company name and the location of the crossing available, including road name.
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Which characteristics should a crossing have before the Office of Freight & Commercial Vehicle Operations authorizes an engineering study for a potential STOP sign installation?
Stop signs are primarily installed at grade crossings when there area:
- fewer than 700 cars per day
- train speed is greater than 40 m.p.h. and
- there are more than 5 trains per day
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Railroad Quiet Zones
What is MnDOT's role, if any, in a Quiet Zone?
A municipality considering establishing a Quiet Zone should contact the MnDOT Rail Safety and Coordination Project Manager for their MnDOT District. The Project Manager will attend the diagnostic to recommend safety improvements that are part of the FRA review process to establish a Quiet Zone.
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Where can I find out more information?
For more information about quiet zones or railroad operations, visit the Federal Railroad Administration site.
To locate track or crossings statewide, use the Minnesota Rail Viewer. Clicking on a crossing icon or track segment will bring up details about the operating railroad and contact information.
