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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Emergency Notification Systems (ENS) at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings

Blue ENS Sign Example with phone and xing numberThe 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 Resources

Last updated: Tuesday, September 12, 2023