Office of Rail Engineering

Anytime a roadway crosses railroad tracks, there is a risk of a collision.  And in a collision with a train, you are 20 times more likely to be killed than if you were in a collision with another car.  The objective of TDOT’s Office of Rail Engineering is to improve safety and reduce crash risk at Tennessee’s public highway-railroad grade crossings.  “Grade” crossings refers to those crossings at which the highway and railroad are at the same level, as opposed to “grade separated” crossings in which there is a bridge to allow one to pass over the other.

The Office of Rail Engineering manages Tennessee’s Highway-Railroad Grade Crossing Program, commonly referred to as the Section 130 Program. Section 130 is a federal aid program authorized by United States Code Title 23, Section 130, and administered through the state by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).  Typically, Section 130 funds are used to install warning devices, such as train-activated flashing lights, automatic gates, and warning bells.  These funds may also be used to provide various other safety improvements at existing crossings and to assist in the closure of unneeded crossings. In accordance with USC 130(g), TDOT submits annual reports on the progress of the Highway-Railroad Grade Crossing Program.