Chapter 5: Replanking Projects

Section 1: Program Overview

Background

The replanking program, a state designated program, is used to provide dedicated state highway funds for replacing at-grade crossing surfaces located on the state highway system. This is codified in 43 TAC §7.106.
RRD
 manages the program.

Program Authorization and Funding

The replanking program is managed under Category 10 (Supplemental Transportation Projects) of the UTP as a bank balance allocation program. Each year, the Texas Transportation Commission authorizes the total amount of funding and the method of project selection. This provides flexibility within each program year to cancel and add projects to the program without commission action. It is funded with 100% state funds, excluding any cost participation from railroad companies. Funding for the program is typically around $3.5 million annually.
Program funds are
not typically used for the following and must be funded out of the district's maintenance budget, except that starting with the 2022 program, replanking program funds can be used for railroad provided traffic control and asphalt work.
Program funds are not typically used for:
  • Traffic control and detours.
  • Notification of
     roadway closures in advance on portable changeable message signs.
  • Engineering labor in developing Exhibit A layouts.
  • Roadway work (level
    adjustments
     to match the crossing surface panels).
  • Any base material or concrete work directly beneath subballast at the crossing.
  • Temporary riprap crossings installed adjacent to the at-grade crossing if the roadway cannot be closed during construction (
    shoofly
    ).
  • Striping and signing.
If the railroad is to perform the asphalt and/or traffic control and be reimbursed by the replanking program, the district should still provide the Traffic Control Plans as part of the Replank Scope of Work.
Use of non-standard crossing surface such as StarTrak may instead be funded under the Section 130 program.

Ineligible Crossings

The following types of at-grade crossings are ineligible for the Replanking Program:
  • Private crossings.
  • Closed, out of service, or abandoned crossings
    unless agreed to by RRD.
  • Off system crossings (roadway owned by
    county, city, or other
     local government not TxDOT).
  • Locations where the railroad crossed TxDOT right of way via a
    crossing
     permit or other agreement.
Also, any crossing locations identified for replanking which may have an existing construction project should be funded and constructed under the construction project.
An at-grade crossing may use funding from both the
Section 130
 and replanking programs to fund safety and surface upgrades if the crossing qualifies under the prioritization scheme of both programs.

Replanking Project Agreement Flow Chart

The flow chart
on the following page depicts
 the process for obtaining a project agreement on a replanking project.
Not all steps are applicable to
every
 replanking project. Project steps and time frames will vary depending on the project scope.
Replanking Project Flow Chart. (click in image to see full-size image)
Figure 5-1. Replanking Project Flow Chart.