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HF 493

A bill for an act relating to the control of traffic on certain highways within certain cities.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Skyler Wheeler

Bill HF 493 mandates railway companies and cities to collaborate on building and maintaining overpasses, ensuring safety at crossings while compensating affected property owners.

Introduced, referred to Transportation.
#citygovernment #highways
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Bill Summary · HF 493

Summary of Bill HF 493

Purpose and Intent

Bill HF 493 aims to regulate the construction and maintenance of overpasses and underpasses on certain highways within city limits, particularly focusing on the responsibilities of railway companies and local governments. The bill seeks to streamline the process for cities to manage traffic control and safety at railway crossings, ensuring that necessary infrastructure is built and maintained effectively.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:

  1. Construction Requirements for Railway Companies:

    • Railway companies cannot be mandated to construct overpasses or underpasses closer than every fourth parallel street.
    • A railway company is limited to constructing no more than one overpass or underpass each year.
    • Approaches to any single overpass or underpass cannot exceed 800 feet in length.

  2. City Responsibilities:

    • Cities must conduct appraisals and assessments of damages to private property resulting from the construction of overpasses or underpasses and are required to pay the assessed damages.
    • Cities are responsible for covering half of the maintenance costs associated with these structures and may distribute the remaining costs among the railway companies whose tracks are crossed.

  3. Enforcement and Legal Action:

    • Cities are authorized to enforce the construction of overpasses or underpasses through a mandamus action, as outlined in Code section 327C.16.
    • If a city prevails in such an action, it can complete the required construction and seek reimbursement from the railway companies for the costs incurred.

  4. Specific Approval for Plymouth County:

    • The bill mandates that the Department of Transportation (DOT) must approve the construction of an overpass in Plymouth County, specifically over the railway tracks in the city of Merrill on county highway C44.

Affected Parties

  • Railway Companies: The bill directly impacts railway companies operating within city limits, as it outlines their obligations regarding the construction of overpasses and underpasses.
  • City Governments: Local governments will have increased authority and responsibility in managing traffic safety and infrastructure related to railway crossings.
  • Property Owners: Individuals whose properties may be affected by the construction of these structures will be entitled to compensation for damages.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced Date: The bill was introduced on February 20, 2025.
  • Current Status: It has been referred to the Transportation committee for further consideration.

This summary provides a clear overview of Bill HF 493, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and the stakeholders involved. The bill represents an effort to enhance traffic safety and infrastructure management in urban areas where railway crossings are present.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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