49 U.S.C. § 20134: Grade crossings and railroad rights of way

To the extent practicable, the Secretary of Transportation shall maintain a coordinated effort to develop and carry out solutions to the railroad grade crossing problem and measures to protect pedestrians in densely populated areas along railroad rights of way. To carry out this subsection, the Secretary may use the authority of the Secretary under this chapter and over highway, traffic, and motor vehicle safety and over highway construction. The Secretary may purchase items of nominal value and distribute them to the public without charge as part of an educational or awareness program to accomplish the purposes of this section and of any other sections of this title related to improving the safety of highway-rail crossings and to preventing trespass on railroad rights of way, and the Secretary shall prescribe guidelines for the administration of this authority. Not later than June 22, 1989 , the Secretary shall prescribe regulations and issue orders to ensure the safe maintenance, inspection, and testing of signal systems and devices at railroad highway grade crossings. reflective markers installed on the road surface or on a signal post at railroad grade crossings; stop signs or yield signs installed at grade crossings; and speed bumps or rumble strips installed on the road surfaces at the approaches to grade crossings. Not later than June 22, 1990 , the Secretary shall submit a report on the results of the demonstration projects to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. providing audible warning of approaching trains to the pedestrians at railroad passenger stations; using signs, signals, or other visual devices to warn pedestrians of approaching trains; installing infrastructure at pedestrian crossings to improve the safety of pedestrians crossing railroad tracks; installing fences to prohibit access to railroad tracks; and other strategies or methods as determined by the Secretary.”