Private crossings

It is the policy of Great Lakes Central Railroad, Inc. (GLC), to enhance public safety for

those utilizing and traversing the rail corridor. As such, GLC reserves the right to deny any

new private road crossings of rail lines unless the party requesting the crossing is able to

definitively demonstrate that such crossing is either required by law, deed, or charter, is

needed by a GLC customer, or is needed for access to “landlocked” property. For existing

crossings, if a party demonstrates that a particular and/or continued need, GLC may allow

the Private Crossing Agreement providing GLC with, among other things, indemnification,

insurance, maintenance, and termination protections.

An annual license fee will be required for all Private Road Crossings.

The application fee for a new crossing is $1,500.00.

This application fee will cover your application, inspection for approval, and processing of the agreement.

If a crossing agreement is granted, applicant must maintain approaches, drainage, and

adequate sight clearance. The Applicant will be required to carry liability insurance

coverage during the life of this agreement. This insurance automatically will cover liability,

which the Applicant assumes under the agreement. All agreements will contain a future

crossing signalization clause, requiring automatic traffic control devices at the entire

expense of the Applicant, including maintenance, if the need develops or if required by a

government agency or by GLC.

Do I need a crossing agreement?

Yes, by State law, no person is permitted to be upon or cross the railroad right-of-way (including tracks) without the permission of the operating railroad.

Does the new crossing agreement replace my previous one?

Yes, the new private crossing agreements will replace any existing crossing agreements.

Why is my original agreement now null and void?

In effort to increase uniformity of contracts and increase safety and awareness along the corridor, GLC is requiring new agreements for all crossings.

Why has the cost of the crossing agreement increased?

GLC has not increased the annual crossing fee in many years. The increase is to keep with the increased costs of safety inspections.

What should I do if I no longer want to maintain a crossing?

If you no longer wish to use the private crossing, it can be removed and closed. If the crossing is closed, you will no longer be permitted to cross the tracks at this location.

Can I transfer a crossing agreement from the previous property owner to my name?

Yes, but only with approval of GLC. GLC is required to know who is utilizing each crossing and in what manner.  We allow the transfer to new property owners through the application process. (No Application Fee is required for transfers.)

What happens if one crossing is utilized by more than one property?

If multiple properties utilize one crossing, the dominant parcel would hold the crossing agreement.  This property owner can request contribution from other user (not to exceed the total crossing amount).