Bill > SB972

This bill establishes new requirements for railroad crossings in Missouri by mandating the installation of advanced detection and monitoring systems at all new at-grade crossings constructed on or after August 28, 2026. These systems must be capable of detecting and classifying objects like pedestrians, vehicles, and wildlife using technologies such as light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors, high-resolution cameras, and artificial intelligence. The systems will be required to analyze object behavior in real time, identify potential safety risks, generate real-time alerts to warn train crews and operations personnel, and integrate with existing positive train control (PTC) systems. The state highways and transportation commission will develop standards for these systems, identify priority crossings for upgrades, and provide technical assistance to rail operators. The Missouri Department of Transportation will create a grant program and support public-private partnerships to help fund the installation of these advanced systems, with preference given to high-priority crossings. Rail operators will be required to submit annual reports detailing the performance of these systems, including data on hazard detection and incidents prevented, and the department will provide biennial reports to the state legislature evaluating the effectiveness of these technologies.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=160