§ 23-12-1007 - Investigations -- Regulations. - Arkansas Statutes

23-12-1007. Investigations -- Regulations.

(a) (1) The State Highway Commission shall make such investigations as it deems necessary, or as requested by state, municipal, or county officials, to properly exercise the exclusive jurisdiction hereby conferred and pursuant to required notice and hearing shall promulgate all necessary orders or regulations concerning train operation, train movement, permissible standing time for trains, and all other related matters.

(2) The investigation of crossings shall include, but is not limited to, the reasonable availability or use of other crossings by vehicular or pedestrian traffic, the frequency and necessity of use of the railroad crossing by railroad trains and vehicular and pedestrian traffic, the restriction of emergency and law enforcement vehicles using the crossing, and the hours of frequent use of the crossing.

(3) In the investigation, the commission shall seek the advice of Arkansas counties, municipalities, railroads operating within this state, and unions representing railroad employees.

(b) Provided, unless and until the commission by order or regulation provides otherwise, it is unlawful for any corporation, company, or person owning or operating any railroad trains in the state to permit a standing train to obstruct any public highway, road, street, or other railroad crossing for more than ten (10) minutes.