How many Public  At Grade Highway rail crossings are in the State of Missouri?

As of 2026 there are 4,171.

How do I report a blocked highway-railroad crossing?

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has a website to report blocked highway-railroad crossings,  www.fra.dot.gov/blockedcrossings. The website will request specific information about the blocked crossing - including date, time, location, and duration. 

How long can a train block a railroad crossing?

Model Traffic Ordinance Section 300.360 states that is unlawful for a train to prevent the use of any street for purposes of travel for a period of time longer than five minutes; except this does not apply to a moving train or to one stopped because of an emergency or for repairs necessary before it can proceed safely.

If a train is blocking a crossing what should I do?

Be patient. Railroads and railroaders do not intentionally block crossings; generally there is a very good reason why a crossing is blocked for a period of five minutes or more. Common reasons include: waiting on the arrival of another train to pass, or waiting to enter into a rail yard. Occasionally, there are minor mechanical problems with locomotives or cars. Railroad employees by Federal Law cannot work more than 12 hours per day, so there are instances when a crew has met those limits and are awaiting another crew to relieve them.

What information should I collect, if the train blocks the crossing for an extended period of time?

First write down the time, date and how long a crossing was blocked. Note what City, Street or Route that you were traveling on. If possible write down the numbers on the side of some of the cars. Even better is to record the number on the locomotives, such as HLCX 1234. Most helpful is the DOT Number of the crossing that is blocked. Read below to determine what a DOT number is and where you can find one at the crossing.

How do you identify a railroad crossing or locate a DOT #?

Each railroad crossing should have blue and white sign that will list an emergency contact number, the unique identification DOT(X-ING) #, and the name of the railroad company somewhere near the crossing. On a crossing with flashing lights and/or gates, the sign will be attached to the metal pole the flashing lights are attached to. On other crossings, it can be found on the post right below the “RAILROAD CROSSING” white and black-lettered sign in the form of a large “X”. The DOT# number is a 6-digit number followed by a letter, such as, “987456 A”. 

What should I do if I think that a railroad-crossing signal is malfunctioning?

It is important to report all suspected malfunctions directly to the railroad so they can be corrected as soon as possible since the railroad is responsible for maintaining the warning system and each railroad has its own procedures for correcting such malfunctions. The design of active warning devices is such that if they do fail, they do so in the safest position – lights flashing and gates down. To quickly report malfunctioning grade crossing signals, find the blue and white sign as outlined in the question above and call the railroad’s emergency phone number listed on the sign. Be prepared to give the DOT/X-ING number.

Can trains be required to slow down through our community? 

It's understandable to feel like trains move pretty fast, especially when they travel through town. But local governments can’t set their own speed limits for trains. How fast a train is allowed to go depends on several factors — including the condition and design of the track, the type of signal system in place, and even the type of train operating on that line.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) sets the safety standards that define what speeds are allowed under those conditions. As long as the railroad maintains the track and equipment to meet those standards, trains are permitted to operate at those speeds. Because these rules are set at the federal level, cities and counties can’t require trains to slow down beyond what those federal standards already allow.

How can we get flashing lights and/or gates at a crossing that has only crossbucks?

If a railroad crossing has only crossbucks, adding flashing lights or gates requires an evaluation through Missouri’s Highway/Rail Crossing Safety Program. These upgrades are funded through limited federal and state programs, so crossings with the greatest safety needs—such as high traffic volumes or poor visibility—are prioritized for improvements.

If you believe a crossing may need enhanced warning devices, the first step is to contact your local road authority (city, county, or MoDOT district office). They can work with us to submit the request and coordinate with MoDOT’s Rail Section as the crossing is considered for future safety improvements.

What is the difference between public and private crossings?

A public crossing is the location where railroad tracks intersect a roadway, which is part of the general system of public streets and highways, and is under the jurisdiction of and maintained by a public authority and open to the general traveling public.

A private crossing is one that is on a private roadway, which may connect to part of the general system of public streets and highways but is not maintained by a public authority. Usually, it is a crossing where the property on at least one side of the railroad tracks is private property. Private crossings are usually intended for the exclusive use of the adjoining property owner and the property owner’s family, employees, residential, farm, recreation/ cultural, industrial or commercial activities.

The trains in my neighborhood are constantly blowing their horns. Why do they do this when there are automatic signals at the crossing? How do we make them stop using the horn?

Train horns are required by federal law and are an important part of the safety system at public rail crossings. Even when a crossing has automatic signals like lights and gates, engineers must still sound the horn as they approach and travel through the crossing. This provides an extra warning for drivers and pedestrians who may not see a train coming. Weather, curves in the track, and nearby traffic noise can also make it harder to hear an approaching train, which is why the horn is still required.

If your community is interested in reducing train horn noise, the only option is to pursue a federal Quiet Zone. A Quiet Zone allows train horns to be silenced at specific crossings once all required safety measures are in place.

Quiet Zones must be established by the local road authority or local government, who works directly with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). If you need help understanding where to start or who to contact, MoDOT’s Rail Section can point you in the right direction at (573) 526 2169. While MoDOT does not create or manage Quiet Zones, we can help connect you with the appropriate federal resources.

There are some tracks close to my home that I walk on all the time to get to the store. Is it against the law?

Yes, it is against the law to walk on railroad tracks, and you could be arrested for trespassing. Railroad tracks and right-of-way are private property with access strictly limited to railroad personnel and persons who have been granted permission from the railroad. Anyone else on the track or grounds of the railroad is trespassing. Even though you might think that you are safe, more than 1000 people are either killed or injured each year in the United States while trespassing on railroad tracks, yards and other railroad property. For the first time, in calendar year 2004, the number of people killed while trespassing on railroad property exceeded those killed at rail/highway crossings.

How do we get a rough rail crossing fixed? 

If a rail crossing is rough or in poor condition, the railroad that owns the tracks is responsible for making repairs. The easiest way to identify the correct railroad is by using the blue Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign posted at the crossing. This sign includes the railroad’s name, emergency phone number, and the unique ENS DOT crossing number. Please record this number and provide it when reporting the issue. It is especially important when more than one railroad crosses the same road, as it identifies the exact location. You may also report the concern to MoDOT’s Rail Section at (573) 526 2169. With many crossings statewide, an inspection will need to be scheduled, so having the ENS information ready helps us and the railroad respond more efficiently.

How fast do the trains go on a particular line or track?

Passenger and freight trains are required to comply with the safety standards established by the Federal Railroad Administration. For speed guidelines based on track classification, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.

How can I access railroad crossing accident information?

The Federal Railroad Administration, Office of Safety maintains crossing accident and inventory information on their website.

What if I have additional questions?

Contact our office at (417)429-1731 or at MoRail@modot.mo.gov.