ORS 824.236: Protective devices at unauthorized railroad-highway crossing; apportionment to railroad; reimbursement; closure.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the Department of Transportation may, under ORS 823.033, order a railroad to install and maintain protective devices at an unauthorized railroad-highway crossing and order the public authority in interest to install and maintain stop signs at and other protective devices in advance of an unauthorized railroad-highway crossing. (2) The department may not order the railroad to install at an unauthorized railroad-highway crossing devices which are activated immediately in advance of, and during, each train movement over the crossing unless the department determines that the railroad intentionally created the unauthorized crossing after June 2, 1995. (3) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, in any proceeding under subsections (1) and (2) of this section, or unless the parties agree otherwise, installation and maintenance costs of protective devices shall be apportioned to the railroad. (4) The railroad may seek reimbursement or indemnity from third parties. (5) Under ORS 823.033, the department may open an investigation to consider closure of an unauthorized railroad-highway crossing. If the department decides to open an investigation, it shall post notice of the investigation at the crossing at least 30 days prior to opening the investigation. If the department is unable to complete an investigation within two years from the date it was opened, the department shall order the crossing closed within one year from the expiration of the two-year period allowed for investigation unless closure of the unauthorized railroad-highway crossing would remove the only access to any land. [Formerly 763.220; 2003 c.145 §3]