Emergency Notification Systems (ENS) at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings
The ENS sign gives the public critical emergency contact information at every highway-rail grade crossing. The information on the ENS sign enables the public to reach the railroad responsible for the crossing and to identify the specific crossing in the event of an emergency.
ENS Software
The ENS software supports implementation and recordkeeping required by 49 CFR Part 234 Subpart E.
The software enables railroads to document calls from the public reporting unsafe conditions at highway-rail and pathway grade crossings and to track the remedial actions taken by railroads as required by the rule. The software aids in compliance with the ENS recordkeeping requirements.
To improve highway-rail grade crossing safety, FRA developed software for free use by railroads and third-party telephone services to quickly identify crossing locations, railroads, and emergency responders and report crossing safety problems and emergency situations.
BENEFITS:
- Aids with compliance of 49 CFR Part 234 Subpart E reporting requirements
- Can be used by third-party telephone services and railroads
- Maintains database of calls and remedial actions taken by railroads
- Aids in alerting railroads and public safety officials of signal malfunctions, crossing obstructions, and other emergency situations at highway-rail grade crossings
- Generates reports for critical analysis of recurring malfunctions and other crossing problems
KEY FEATURES:
- Easy-to-use software
- Quickly identifies crossings
- Logs all calls automatically
- Built-in digital mapping and flexible search functions
- Imports crossing data directly from FRA’s National Crossing Inventory file
- Easy updating of emergency personal contact information for each crossing
- Generates reports for FRA recordkeeping requirements and critical analysis of problems
Click here to download the ENS Software
Helpful Resource
- Emergency Notification System FAQs
- ENS Flyer - Get Help, Use the Blue ENS Sign
- ENS Software Installation Instructions
- ENS Software Download
- ENS Compliance Dates
- ENS Penalty Schedule
- Project Plan: 1-800 Toll-Free Emergency Notification System for Shortline Railroad Highway-Rail Crossings in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Crossing Inventory FAQs
- FRA Safety Data and Statistics
- Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Resource Guide
- Compilation of State Laws & Regulations Affecting Highway-Rail Grade Crossing
- Compilation of State Laws & Regulations Affecting Highway-Rail Grade Crossing: Downloadable PDF Version
- Compilation of State Laws & Regulations Affecting Highway-Rail Grade Crossing: iPhone App-Mobile Version Compilation
- U.S. DoT Crossing Inventory Form
- Guide for Preparing U.S. DOT Crossing Inventory Forms
- Procedure for Updating DOT Crossing Inventory Form
- How to Access Crossing Inventory Data
- Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
- State Contacts for Grade Crossing Inventory
- Railroad Contacts for Grade Crossing Inventory
- Rail Crossing Locator Mobile App
- Model State Action Plan Resource Guide
- Model State Law to Address Sight Obstructions at Passive Highway-Rail Grade Crossings
- Grade Crossing Reports
- Web Based Accident Prediction System WBAPS FRA Site
- Web Based Accident Prediction System WBPAS Tool
- Using WBAPS for Ranking Crossings by Their Accident Prediction Value - see section 6
- Sample WBAPS Reports
- Highway-Rail Crossing Safety Publications, Studies and Reports
- Channelization Devices
- e-CFR 234 Subpart E- Emergency Notification Systems for Telephonic Reporting of Unsafe Conditions at Highway-Rail and Pathway Grade Crossings