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Friday
March 29th, 2024
L&T Opinions Page

shannon francis mugGUEST COLUMN, Shannon Francis, 125th District Representative

 

Reporting mechanism for trains blocking roadways

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) created a reporting mechanism for trains blocking roadways. The blocked crossing incident reporter is available to the public where they can post information about trains blocking crossings for long periods of time. FRA said that blocked crossings are more than an inconvenience—they present a safety issue as frustrated drivers may try to beat a train in fear that the crossing could be blocked for a long time and pedestrians may be tempted to cross between stopped rail cars. No federal regulation exists on blocked crossings, and several state statutes have been struck down in court.”

 

‘FORWARD’ transportation plan

Last week the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) proposed a new transportation program called “FORWARD” as part of the Transportation Day activities at the State Capitol.

A major change in this transportation plan is major projects would be selected every two years rather than only at the beginning of the 10-year program.  It also calls for the completion of delayed T-WORKS projects like our Highway 54 projects. It has components for transit, aviation, rail, bike, and pedestrian transportation modes.

FORWARD  provides more resources to communities through new initiatives such as the Cost-Share, Local Bridge Improvement, and Strategic Safety programs.

We need to end transfers out of the State Highway Fund. Over the past several years, more than $2 billion has been transferred, causing the condition of the state’s highway system to decline.  Current and future budget proposals to the legislature plan on phasing out these transfers.

A  fact sheet provided by KDOT explained that FORWARD implements a two-year rolling program approach. This would mean highway modernization and expansion projects would be selected every two years and preservation would be prioritized.

KDOT also said FORWARD would provide more flexible annual commitments to modal and set-aside programs, while the 10-year total commitments remain in place. It would also provide a streamlined application process. The department says this would allow resources to be directed to the most pressing needs statewide each year.

KDOT says FORWARD will leverage partnerships with local communities to generate more local match and input on practical improvements and project phasing to stretch dollars further. KDOT says additional consideration for construction selection will be given to projects where communities provide a local match, phase a project, or use practical improvements.

Next week the Appropriations Committee that I serve on will begin hearings on this new transportation plan.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR, Reita Isaacs, Liberal

 

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MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron

 

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