House Bill 5118
Sponsor: Rep. Jason Allen
Committee: Transportation
Complete to 1-18-00
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5118 AS INTRODUCED 11-10-99
House Bill 5118 would amend the Railroad Code of 1993 to change the design of the sign that appears at railroad crossings. Specifically, current law states that standard active railroad-highway traffic control devices that consist of side-of-street flashing light signals, with or without half-roadway gates and cantilevers, must include a) the railroad crossing (crossbuck) sign, b) the "stop on red signal" sign, and c) the number of tracks sign, all located, designed, and maintained on the signal support as prescribed by the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. House Bill 5118 would eliminate the requirement for the "stop on red signal" sign.
Generally and under current law, the Department of Transportation may prescribe, by order, active traffic control devices to warn of the approach of trains that are about to cross a street or highway at public railroad grade crossings. Those devices may consist of signals with signs, circuitry, or crossing gates and other accessory devices as depicted in the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, a manual that conforms with generally recognized national standards. The law also specifies the parties who are responsible for installation and maintenance of the signs; that the cost of installation, alteration, or modernization be borne equally by the railroad and the road authority; and, when the signs are to be activated.
MCL 462.315
Analyst: J. Hunault