
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 23, 2000]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 23, 2000 and December 4, 2001]
[CITE: 49USC20134]

 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
                        SUBTITLE V--RAIL PROGRAMS
 
                             PART A--SAFETY
 
                          CHAPTER 201--GENERAL
 
               SUBCHAPTER II--PARTICULAR ASPECTS OF SAFETY
 
Sec. 20134. Grade crossings and railroad rights of way

    (a) General.--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.
    (b) Signal Systems and Other Devices.--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.
    (c) Demonstration Projects.--(1) The Secretary shall establish 
demonstration projects to evaluate whether accidents and incidents 
involving trains would be reduced by--
        (A) reflective markers installed on the road surface or on a 
    signal post at railroad grade crossings;
        (B) stop signs or yield signs installed at grade crossings; and
        (C) speed bumps or rumble strips installed on the road surfaces 
    at the approaches to grade crossings.

    (2) 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.

(Pub. L. 103-272, Sec. 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 873; Pub. L. 104-
287, Sec. 5(48), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3393.)

                                          Historical and Revision Notes
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
           Revised  Section                    Source (U.S. Code)              
 Source (Statutes at Large)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
20134(a)..............................  45:433(b).                       Oct. 1
6, 1970, Pub. L. 91-458, Sec.
                                                                          204(b
), 84 Stat. 972.
20134(b)..............................  45:431(q).                       Oct. 1
6, 1970, Pub. L. 91-458, 84 Stat.
                                                                          971, 
Secs.  202(q), 215(a), (b); added
                                                                          June 
22, 1988, Pub. L. 100-342, Secs.
                                                                          20, 2
3, 102 Stat. 638, 639; Sept. 3,
                                                                          1992,
 Pub. L. 102-365, Sec.  2(4), 106
                                                                          Stat.
 972.
20134(c)..............................  45:445(a), (b).
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---------------------------------

    In subsection (a), the words ``In addition'' are omitted as surplus. 
The word ``maintain'' is substituted for ``undertake'' for clarity 
because the effort has begun. The words ``the objective of'' are omitted 
as surplus. The words ``To carry out this section, the Secretary may 
use'' are added for clarity.
    In subsection (b), the words ``Not later than June 22, 1989'' are 
substituted for ``within one year after June 22, 1988'' for clarity.
    In subsection (c)(1), before clause (A), and (2), the word 
``Secretary'' is substituted for ``Federal Railroad Administration'' for 
clarity and consistency in the revised title. In this restatement, the 
Secretary of Transportation carries out all laws. However, this 
subsection is based on source provisions that provide that the Federal 
Railroad Administration carries out the subsection. A cross-reference to 
this subsection has been included in 49:103 to preserve duties and 
powers under this subsection to the Administrator of the Federal 
Railroad Administration.
    In subsection (c)(1), before clause (A), the words ``and incidents'' 
are added for consistency in this part.


                               Amendments

    1996--Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 104-287 substituted ``Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure'' for ``Committee on Energy and 
Commerce''.

                  Section Referred to in Other Sections

    This section is referred to in sections 103, 20117 of this title.
