A major investment in public safety and mobility is moving forward in the Sioux Falls region, as the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) advances a comprehensive Railroad Corridor Analysis and Crossing Safety Study with support from a $1 million grant through the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). HR Green is part of the selected team leading this effort, which will evaluate 130 at-grade rail crossings across Lincoln and Minnehaha Counties.
As Sioux Falls continues to grow, interactions between rail, vehicles, pedestrians, and emergency services have become more complex. These crossings are critical points where safety risks, traffic delays, and operational challenges intersect. This study will provide SDDOT and local partners with a data-driven roadmap to prioritize improvements, reduce incidents, and support long-term mobility.
At the core of the project is a robust evaluation of existing conditions. The team will compile and analyze data from federal and state databases, incident reports, traffic operations, and railroad systems. This effort will be followed by field assessments of each crossing, documenting infrastructure conditions, sight lines, traffic patterns, pedestrian access, and compliance with standards such as the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, ADA, and FRA guidelines.
Using this comprehensive dataset, the team will develop targeted improvement strategies. Potential solutions range from low-cost, high-impact upgrades such as enhanced signage, pavement markings, and illumination to more complex interventions like signal preemption improvements, crossing closures, grade separations, and advanced warning technologies. Each recommendation will be evaluated through a structured, performance-based framework that balances safety, cost, and stakeholder priorities.
A key benefit of the study is its direct impact on public safety and quality of life. By identifying and prioritizing the most critical crossings, the project will help reduce the risk of collisions, improve emergency response reliability, and minimize travel disruptions caused by train activity. The team will engage a wide range of stakeholders—including local governments, railroad operators, emergency service providers, and the public—through a structured outreach process. This engagement will help align technical solutions with community needs and build support for future implementation.
The final deliverable will include a comprehensive study report and an Implementation Priorities Plan, equipping SDDOT and regional partners with a clear path forward. This project positions the Sioux Falls region to proactively address rail crossing safety while supporting continued growth and economic vitality.
