[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 23, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2007]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 23CFR646.218]

[Page 243]
 
                           TITLE 23--HIGHWAYS
 
 CHAPTER I--FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 646_RAILROADS--Table of Contents
 
                   Subpart B_Railroad-Highway Projects
 
Sec.  646.218  Simplified procedure for accelerating grade crossing 

improvements.

    (a) The procedure set forth in this section is encouraged for use in 
simplifying and accelerating the processing of single or multiple grade 
crossing improvements.
    (b) Eligible preliminary engineering costs may include those 
incurred in selecting crossings to be improved, determining the type of 
improvement for each crossing, estimating the cost and preparing the 
required agreement.
    (c) The written agreement between a State and a railroad shall 
contain as a minimum:
    (1) Identification of each crossing location.
    (2) Description of improvement and estimate of cost for each 
crossing location.
    (3) Estimated schedule for completion of work at each location.
    (d) Following programming, authorization and approval of the 
agreement under Sec.  646.218(c), FHWA may authorize construction, 
including acquisition of warning device materials, with the condition 
that work at any particular location will not be undertaken until the 
proposed or executed State-railroad agreement under Sec.  646.216(d) (2) 
is found satisfactory by FHWA and the final plans, specifications, and 
estimates are approved and with the condition that only material 
actually incorporated into the project will be eligible for Federal 
participation.
    (e) Work programmed and authorized under this simplified procedure 
should include only that which can reasonably be expected to reach the 
construction stage within one year and be completed within two years 
after the initial authorization date.