Chapter 12: Database
Anchor: #i999669Section 1: Crossing Database
Anchor: #i999674Crossing Identification Numbering System
Every at-grade or grade separated crossing is assigned a unique U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) identification number, also referred to as a DOT number, consisting of six numeric characters and an alphabetic character. This applies to all public and private road and pathway crossings.
For at-grade crossing locations, the DOT number is typically seen on the Emergency Notification Sign (ENS) at the crossing or on a sign found on the railroad cabin.
If needed, new crossing DOT numbers shall be obtained from the railroad that operates over the crossing. If a new crossing is proposed, RRD will request a new DOT number from the affected railroad. The new crossing number will be populated into the TRIMS database.
Anchor: #i999689FRA Database
The FRA maintains a database with data on public and private crossings within the United States. The database contains information for each crossing, including:
- Anchor: #MFAEUNKN
- Inventory form with basic information about the crossing. Anchor: #QTWSJOMY
- Crash reports filed with the FRA. Anchor: #JGGPJPMF
- Contact information. Anchor: #TBUATSQL
- Historical changes to the inventory data.
Data on the FRA website is updated continually on request to the FRA by both railroad companies and public agencies. The crossing inventory form submitted to the FRA includes data provided by both the railroad company and by roadway authority. TxDOT RRD is the only agency in Texas authorized to update the public portion of the FRA database.
The FRA website is considered the official source of crossing inventory and accident data.