Creates a pilot program to study the feasibility of combining the design and construction phases of a transportation facility into a single contract. DOTD will develop rules and procedures for the pilot program. The pilot program will be limited to three projects. Cost per project will not exceed $500,000. DOTD will report the results of the pilot program annually to the legislature. Legal challenge to the contractor of choice will be prohibited. Effective June 16, 1998.

Trains may not block vehicular traffic at public highway rail crossings for more than 20 minutes unless the train is moving or when movement is prevented by the following: Mechanical failure Enforcement of the Hours of Service Act. Derailment or other accident. A directive of the Federal Railway Administration. Circumstances over which the railroad company has no reasonable control. Railroad employees shall not be prosecuted as a result of this act. Any railroad company whose train obstructs traffic for less than 45 minutes will be fined between $200 and $1000, depending on the amount of time. If the obstruction exceeds 45 minutes, the fine will be $1000 plus an additional $500 for each five minutes of obstruction. Maximum fine shall not exceed $5000 within a 24-hour period. Effective June 16, 1998.

Authorizes DOTD to notify railroad companies when a railroad crossing is determined to be in need of repairs. Authorizes DOTD to make repairs to railroad crossing warning devices if the company fails to make the repairs and bill the company. Repairs to the grade crossings may be made by the state 15 days after written notice is given to the railroad company. Repairs to warning devices may be made by the state 30 days after written notice is given to the railroad company. Effective June 16, 1998.

Requires BESE to establish and operate driver education training programs to include instructions on railroad and highway crossing safety. Requires that railroad crossing safety be included on driver's education test material. Effective June 16, 1998.

Senate Bill 29 (Act No. 82) - Railroad Safety

Requires railroad crossing safety be included in court-ordered driver improvement courses, in the same manner as preliminary driver's education courses. Effective June 16, 1998.

Requires each railroad company or person owning and operating a railroad to equip each locomotive with a bell and a whistle or horn which can be heard at a distance of not less than one-quarter of a mile. Requires any person controlling the motion of an engine commence sounding the audible signal not less than one-quarter of a mile from the place where the railroad crosses any highway. Effective March 1, 1999.

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