Inquiry into Blocked Highway-Rail Grade Crossings throughout the United States

In 2020, FRA created a dedicated website allowing the public and law enforcement personnel to use web-based forms to voluntarily submit information about blocked highway-rail grade crossings to FRA. Under the currently approved information collection request (ICR), users provide information regarding the location, date, time, duration, and immediate impacts of highway-rail grade crossings blocked by slow-moving or stationary trains. FRA uses the data collected to gain a more complete picture of where, when, and for how long blocked crossings occur, and what impacts result from reported blocked crossing those incidents. Additionally, FRA uses the information to respond to congressional inquiries from members of Congress and so that congressional staff can respond to their constituents. Furthermore, FRA also uses the information gathered to facilitate meetings, outreach, and other solutions for stakeholders to reduce or eliminate blocked crossing concerns. This information is voluntary and open to the public. In a July 2022 Memorandum, DOT issued mandated requirements for the implementation of an enhanced Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), making the use of a username and password no longer acceptable on public applications. Due to the observed lower usage of the dedicated law enforcement web link and the large burden associated, FRA has determined that the high burden associated with providing all law enforcement and first responders with the required DOT email address to use MFA, FRA determined that maintaining the restricted access, dedicated web link was not administratively practical. FRA has removed the law enforcement web link, and all blocked crossings information are now being submitted using the unrestricted web-based form for the public. This submission reflects information received though the general public web-based form available for use by all members of the public, such as law enforcement, first responders and concerned citizens. There is no requirement for recordkeeping. The frequency will be as needed as determined by the public.

The latest form for Inquiry into Blocked Highway-Rail Grade Crossings throughout the United States expires 2029-01-31 and can be found here.