ORS 824.226: Dangerous grade crossings; notice; hearing; order to install protective devices; apportioning of cost.

(1) The Department of Transportation on its own motion may, or upon application by the common council or mayor of any city, or any county judge or county commissioner or county roadmaster, or by five or more residents and taxpayers in any city, county or road district to the effect that a public highway and a railroad cross one another in such city, county or road district at the same level, and that such grade crossing is unsafe and dangerous to travelers over such highway or railroad, shall, give notice to the railroad company, of the filing of such application, and furnish a copy of the same to the railroad company, and order a hearing thereon in the manner provided for contested case hearings under ORS chapter 183. (2) If upon such hearing it appears to the satisfaction of the department that the crossing complained of is unsafe and dangerous to human life, the department may order the crossing closed or order and direct the railroad or public authority to install and maintain proper protective devices, and establish a date by which such devices are to be installed and placed into operation. The department shall apportion the installation and maintenance costs thereof in accordance with ORS 824.242 to 824.246, and, notwithstanding the provisions of ORS chapter 183, shall suspend the effective date of the order until the public authority in interest has consented to the apportionment and has agreed to comply therewith. [Formerly 763.170; 1997 c.275 §21]