GAO to feds: Improve tech assistance for rail grade-crossing projects

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is recommending that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) update its technical assistance materials to include more information on rail-crossing improvement projects that qualify for federal funding.

In a recent report, the GAO found that while the FHWA provides funding and technical assistance for states' projects to improve crossing safety, the technical assistance doesn't include examples of trespassing-related pedestrian projects that may be eligible for funding. The FHWA provides funding for states to improve safety at public crossings through the Railway-Highway Crossings Program (RHCP).

GAO found that states used RHCP funding to address safety risks. For example, states added or upgraded existing equipment at crossings — such as bells, lights and gates — from 2019 through 2023. During the same period, states reported that 77% of projects had zero crashes at the crossing before and after using program funding. State officials told GAO that RHCP projects help address the overall safety risks at crossings.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) introduced several changes to the program. For example, the act increased the federal cost share from 90% to 100% and expressly made pedestrian projects related to trespassing eligible for program funding.

Stakeholders from six states GAO spoke with said these program changes expanded funding options and clarified funding eligibility. However, state officials said it is too soon to fully assess any safety effects from the program changes.

U.S. Department of Transportation officials told GAO that trespassing at grade crossings is a significant concern because pedestrian fatalities and injuries at grade crossings are increasing.

In 2023, there were nearly 1,900 crashes at grade crossings where railroad tracks and roads or pedestrian walkways intersect at the same level.