Colorado § 40-20-303 - Wayside detector systems - obstructions at public crossings - reports - definition.

§ 40-20-303. Wayside detector systems - obstructions at public crossings - reports - definition.

(1) On or before January 1, 2025, and on or before January 1 of each year thereafter, a railroad operating any main line in the state shall submit to the public utilities commission a public report that discloses, at a minimum, the following information:

(a) An overview of the types of, general locations of, and spacing between wayside detectors on main lines in Colorado;

(b) A general description of how the wayside detector system promotes safety, including plans to adjust or improve the wayside detector system or review wayside detector technology;

(c) A general description of the process by which defects or other detections are managed in order to provide notice to train operators and others; and

(d) The percentage of time that each type of wayside detector was operational for the previous year.

(2) (a) Except for trains or equipment stopped due to mechanical failure where separation or movement is not possible, the state expects that any train or equipment operating on a main line or siding in the state should be operated in such a manner as to minimize obstruction of emergency vehicles at highway-rail crossings. Upon the approach of an emergency vehicle to any blocked crossing, an emergency vehicle may give warning of its approach by the sounding of sirens, flashing of lights, waving of a flag, or any other warning sufficient to attract attention to the emergency vehicle to allow the train crew to separate the train or equipment and clear the crossing with all possible dispatch to permit the emergency vehicle to pass. If a blocked crossing is not cleared, the entity operating the emergency vehicle or the department of public safety shall request that the railroad immediately take any action, consistent with safe operating procedures, necessary to clear the highway-rail crossing.

(b) The department of public safety shall, and other emergency vehicle operators may, report to the office of rail safety the details of any event in which an emergency vehicle was stopped or delayed by a train blocking a highway-rail crossing, any request that was made to clear the crossing, the resolution of any such request, and any effects that the delay of the emergency vehicle had on the emergency response.

(c) As used in this subsection (2), "emergency vehicle" means:

(I) An ambulance operated by a public authority or by a private person;

(II) A police vehicle;

(III) A fire engine;

(IV) A vehicle operated by a power company, electric company, or other public utility;

(V) A vehicle used for emergency purposes by the federal government of the United States; or

(VI) Any other vehicle that is being operated for the purpose of saving life or property or responding to any public peril.

Source: L. 2024: Entire part added, (HB 24-1030), ch. 161, p. 749, § 1, effective July 1.