Report on the Improvements to Highway-Rail Grade Crossings and Rail Safety

This interim update is issued to comply with Laws of Minnesota 2014, Chapter 312, Article 10, Section 10.

Improvements Study on Grade Crossings and Rail Safety for Oil and Other Hazardous Materials Transportation

(a) The commissioner of transportation shall conduct a study on highway-rail grade crossing improvement for oil and other hazardous materials transported by rail, and on rail safety. At a minimum, the study must:
(1) provide information that assists in risk management associated with transportation of oil and other hazardous materials by rail;
(2) develop criteria to prioritize needs and improvements at highway-rail grade crossings;
(3) consider alternatives for safety improvements, including but not limited to active warning devices such as gates and signals, closings, and grade separation;
(4) provide findings and recommendations that serve to direct accelerated investments in highway-rail grade crossing safety improvements; and
(5) analyze state inspection activities and staffing for track and hazardous materials under Minnesota Statutes, section 219.015
(b) The commissioner shall submit an interim update on the study by August 31, 2014, and a final report by October 31, 2014, to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over transportation policy and finance.