Section 3: Inspections

Construction Inspection

On construction or railroad capital improvement projects, TxDOT inspection of the railroad company is done by an inspector from the area office. On
Section 130
 and replanking projects, this is done by the district railroad coordinator. On
Section 130
 and construction projects, a representative from the local
entity
 also provides inspection.
Whenever the railroad company is installing/modifying railroad warning devices and crossing surface panels, the district should inspect the materials supplied by the railroad company prior to installation.
Work performed by the railroad company
should be verified that the work
 complies with the approved plan layout and specifications.
As district staffing levels vary, each district is given authority to decide the level of inspection provided for railroad company work. Examples include:
  • Daily inspection by district railroad coordinator or area office inspector.
  • Less frequent inspection by district railroad coordinator or area office inspector.
  • Final inspection only by district railroad coordinator or area office inspector.
The district railroad coordinator or area office inspector should keep a record of:
  • Materials delivered to site by railroad company or contractor.
  • Materials installed by the railroad company or contractor.
  • Number of railroad company workers on site.
  • Equipment being used or rented by the railroad company or contractor.
  • Flaggers, railroad inspectors
    or visitors
     on site.
  • Weather conditions, emergency situations and other delays or events.
  • Work performed by the railroad company or contractor.

Final Inspection

The district railroad coordinator should schedule a final inspection of the project as soon as practical with the railroad company after construction is complete and any active railroad warning devices have been placed in service. At request of the district,
RRD
 may arrange the final inspection
of non-construction and maintenance projects
.
Final inspection includes plan verification and inspection of:
  • All work performed by the road authority or contractor.
  • All work performed by railroad company or contractor.
  • Utility adjustments.
  • Sight distance on approaches to at-grade crossings.
For sample inspection reports for
Section 130
 and replanking projects, see the
RRD Crossroads website
.
Any findings in the final inspection will be noted in a final inspection report to the railroad company which must be resolved prior to submitting a final invoice.