RAIL-HIGHWAY CROSSINGS STUDY.

SEC. 159. RAIL-HIGHWAY CROSSINGS STUDY. (a) Study.—The Secretary shall conduct a study of national highway-railroad crossing improvement and maintenance needs. The Secretary shall consult with the State highway administrations, the Association of American Railroads, highway safety groups, and any other appropriate entities in carrying out this study. (b) Items Included.—The issues to be addressed by the study described in subsection (a) shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) An examination of any correlation which may exist between existing conditions at highway-railroad crossings and accident data at such crossings. (2) An examination of existing hazards to motorists and railroad personnel and community impacts resulting from mobility and capacity constraints at such crossings including delays of police, fire, and emergency medical services. (3) An analysis of the most cost effective methods of protecting the public at crossings including a review of the impact of Federal funds expended at crossings; division of cost of improvements and maintenance between Federal, State, local governments and railroads; cost effectiveness of the railroad relocation demonstration program conducted under section 163 of the Federal-Aid Highways Act of 1973 as compared to the railroad-highway crossings program conducted under section 130 of title 23, United States Code; and the cost of upgrading existing equipment at crossings to the latest technology. (4) An examination of driver behavior at such crossings and what technologies are most effective in changing behavior and preventing accidents. (5) An examination of what effect the shift in rail traffic patterns, including abandonments, mergers, and increased demand in certain corridors) has on railroad-highway crossing needs. (6) A review of any other potential costs associated with such crossings, including accident liability, increased truck size and weight, and maintenance responsibilities. (7) An examination of railroad and highway needs relating to crossing safety, capacity, and mobility and the needs of communities affected by railroad-highway crossings. (8) An examination of the feasibility of addressing these needs on a corridor or system basis. (9) An examination of the responsibility of rail and highway authorities in addressing these needs. (c) Report.—Not later than 24 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a final report to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and 101 STAT. 212the Committee on Public Works and Transportation of the House of Representatives on the results of the study conducted under this section along with recommendations of how crossing needs can be addressed in a cost effective manner. (d) Authorization of Appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account), $600,000 for 1987. Funds authorized by this section shall be available for obligation in the same manner and to the same extent as if such funds were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, and shall remain available until expended.