Skip to main content

Safety regulation

An Amtrak train at a signalized train crossing.
Department of Transportation

Safety regulation

MDOT has regulatory responsibilities to assess the physical condition and safety needs of the approximately 4800 public crossings in the state, as well as to ensure railroad worker safety related to clearances, sanitation, and shelter.

Railroads and road authorities should notify MDOT of any crossing safety concerns, when there is a planned project in the vicinity of an existing railroad crossing, or when a planned project would create a new crossing. Motorists should report crossing incidents, including cars stalled on tracks and malfunctioning warning devices, directly to the railroads, using the contact information provided on the blue USDOT national inventory tag posted at crossings.

MDOT rail safety contacts

Questions? Contact MDOT-RailSafety@Michigan.gov.

Reporting rail crossing concerns

If you encounter a railroad crossing emergency, malfunction, or safety concern, contact local law enforcement and the railroad’s emergency number listed on the blue sign at the crossing, and be ready to provide the USDOT number for location reference.

Report rail crossing concerns