SB31 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Railroads, required to pay one-half of active warning device installation costs upon request of municipality, deposit of funds in escrow, time frame for completion, determination of installation costs

Summary

SB31 would require railroad companies to pay half the cost to install active warning devices at hazardous grade crossings, with the other half funded by municipalities or counties into escrow for installation within two years.

What This Bill Does

If a crossing is deemed hazardous by a county or municipality, the railroad company must pay 50% of the installation costs for active warning devices. The local government must pledge and deposit the other 50% into an escrow account. Installation must be completed within two years after the deposit, with costs determined by agreement or, if no agreement is reached, by competitive bidding. The railroad company would maintain the devices, and the local government would coordinate the project with the Alabama Department of Transportation to ensure compliance.

Who It Affects

• Railroad companies that own hazardous grade crossings, who must pay 50% of installation costs.
• Counties and municipalities within whose boundaries the crossings are located, who must pledge and escrow their 50% and coordinate the project.

Key Provisions

• Active warning devices are defined as flashing lights, signals, automatic gates, or manually operated gates.
• Railroad companies must pay half the installation costs if a crossing is deemed hazardous and the municipality or county agrees to pay the other half.
• Installation costs are set by agreement; if no agreement, they are determined by competitive bidding.
• Installation must be completed within two years of the local government depositing half the costs into an escrow account.
• The county or municipality coordinates installation with the Alabama Department of Transportation; the railroad company maintains the devices.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Transportation