A new directive from Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin Thibault calls for stronger rail safety measures and the launch of a statewide education initiative to prevent additional deaths on or near rail crossings.
The directive combines further engineering countermeasures with education and law enforcement deterrents, which FDOT hopes will increase compliance with Florida’s existing rail safety laws. Implementation of envelope pilot programs is continuing, with completion expected on the nearly $60 million project by March 2022.
“One fatality on our rail crossings is one too many, and I am committed to doing everything I can as Secretary to prevent additional tragedies from occurring across our state,” Thibault said. “Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, FDOT has been empowered to implement bold ideas that will increase the safety of our transportation system, and I am confident today’s directive not only exceeds industry safety standards, but it also designates Florida as a nationwide leader in rail safety.”
Specifically, Thibault’s new directive calls for immediate implementation of engineering countermeasures at every existing FDOT road and state-owned land rail crossing. It also requires the inclusion of these countermeasures — known as dynamic envelopes — in the standard design of all future railroad crossings as such. It will launch a data-driven rail safety education operation called Operation STRIDE alongside rail partners targeting the public through earned, social, and digital media venues. Along the way, FDOT will also partner with state and local law enforcement to enforce rail safety laws while continuing partnerships with local and private rail organizations through the sharing of rail safety design standards, frameworks, and encouragement of participation in safety efforts.