Railway crossing law - basic principles and practical advice for local authorities

Where municipal roads meet railways, the Railway Crossings Act (EKrG) applies. This short but specific law regulates the special features of the rights and obligations of the parties involved.

With a special focus on municipal interests, this seminar provides an overview of what needs to be considered when dealing with the Railway Crossing Act and where pitfalls can lurk.

What is it about?

Various questions arise when the „rail“ and „road“ modes of transport meet.

• When does a railway crossing relationship within the meaning of the Railway Crossings Act exist? What special features then apply for the road construction authority and the neighbouring municipalities?
• What must be observed if a level crossing is to be modified or replaced by an overpass (construction of a railway or road overpass)?
• How are the costs of construction and maintenance of the junction shared between the parties involved? What costs are borne by local road authorities even after the cost relief provided by the EKrG amendment?
• What do I need to bear in mind when settling and asserting claims for reimbursement of costs?
• Does it make sense to conclude planning and crossing agreements?
• What typical problems need to be considered when drafting the agreements?

These and other fundamental questions of railway crossing law are dealt with systematically in the seminar using specific cases from practice. The aim is to provide the participants with the necessary basic knowledge to conduct an initial discussion on an equal footing with the other parties involved in an upcoming crossing measure.