“The current conditions for these crossings are not based on precise engineering practices,” Sen. Arnold said. “This bill would formulate better methods for creating specific measures to develop safer railroad crossings for Hoosier motorists.”

House Bill (HB) 1037 would require the Indiana Department of Transportation to create new methods for measuring and determining minimum distance requirements for crossings. Current law mandates that sightline crossings occur at 1,500 ft. where trains are also required to sound the horn.

Once new rules are adopted, railroads that do not comply would be charged $100 per day until the violation is remedied while continued violations would result in further enforcement.

HB 1037 unanimously passed out of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security, Transportation and Veterans Affairs, and the full Senate by a vote of 44-0. The bill will now return to the House of Representatives where the author of the bill will have the opportunity to consider changes made in the Senate.

Sen. Arnold represents District 8 in the Indiana State Senate which encompasses the majority of LaPorte County including the City of LaPorte and the eastern part of Michigan City. It also includes western St. Joseph County and Davis, Oregon, Washington, Center and Jackson townships in Starke County.

For more information on Sen. Arnold, his legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.IN.gov/S8.

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 NOTE: A photo of Sen. Jim Arnold can be downloaded at: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/images/headshots/Arnold.jpg