STUDY OF HIGHWAY BRIDGES WHICH CROSS RAIL LINES.

SEC. 160. STUDY OF HIGHWAY BRIDGES WHICH CROSS RAIL LINES. (a) Needs Investigation.—The Secretary shall conduct a comprehensive study and investigation of improvement and maintenance needs for highway bridges which cross rail lines and whose ownership has been disputed. Such study and investigation shall assess— (1) railroad and highway needs relating to safety, capacity, and mobility and the needs of communities affected by such bridges; (2) the feasibility of addressing these needs on a comprehensive, national basis; and (3) the responsibility of railroad and highway authorities in addressing these needs. (b) Report.—Not later than 30 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Public Works and Transportation of the House of Representatives a report on the Secretary’s study and investigation along with recommendations on how the bridge needs referred to in subsection (a) may best be addressed on a long term basis in a cost-effective manner.