FRA Grade Crossing Safety & Accident Reporting Flashcards

What is a Section 130 Program in the context of FRA and highway-rail grade crossing safety?

Answer: A federal-aid highway program that provides funding to states for eliminating hazardous highway-rail grade crossings

The Section 130 Program (23 U.S.C. § 130) is a federal-aid program administered by FHWA that provides funding to states for improving safety at highway-rail grade crossings.

What does the term 'blocked crossing' refer to in railroad operations and FRA safety discussions?

Answer: A highway-rail grade crossing that is obstructed by standing railroad equipment for an extended period

A blocked crossing occurs when stationary railroad cars or locomotives occupy a grade crossing for a prolonged period, obstructing road traffic and potentially delaying emergency vehicles.

Under FRA regulations, what type of inspection is required to ensure grade crossing warning systems function properly?

Answer: Regular periodic testing and inspection as specified in 49 CFR Part 234, with records maintained for at least three years

49 CFR Part 234 requires railroads to conduct regular testing and inspections of crossing warning systems on a prescribed schedule and maintain records of these inspections for at least three years.

What is 'four-quadrant gate' protection at a highway-rail grade crossing?

Answer: A crossing safety system with gates that block all lanes of roadway traffic on both sides of the tracks, preventing vehicles from going around lowered gates

Four-quadrant gates use gate arms on both the entry and exit sides of the crossing to block all lanes, preventing drivers from going around a lowered gate to beat an approaching train.

When must a locomotive engineer stop and not proceed at a highway-rail grade crossing under FRA operating rules?

Answer: When someone is on or near the crossing and does not move to a place of safety, or when the crossing is otherwise obstructed

Engineers must stop when it is apparent that a person or vehicle on or near the crossing is not going to move to safety in time, or when any obstruction would prevent the train from clearing the crossing.

Which federal agency has primary jurisdiction over highway-rail grade crossing safety regulations for railroads?

Answer: The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

The FRA, as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has primary regulatory jurisdiction over railroad operations and safety at highway-rail grade crossings.