GO 88-B Rules for Altering Public Highway-Rail Crossings

Modification of an Existing Rail Crossing

CPUC authorization is required to modify an existing rail crossing.

Commission General Order 88-B (GO 88-B) provides a process for CPUC staff, from the Rail Crossing and Engineering Branch (RCEB), to authorize modifications of existing rail crossings, if the proposed modifications are within the scope of GO 88-B.  For modifications that are not within the scope of GO 88-B, such as construction of a new rail crossing, authorization will need to be obtained from the Commission through the Formal Application process.

Request Process

Obtaining authorization to alter a rail crossing is an iterative process that may require multiple rounds of project review. During the design stage, RCEB staff may request additional information and/or studies to provide an understanding of how the proposed alterations will affect the crossing safety.

It is advisable to reach out early and keep RCEB staff involved throughout the design stage, so that any issues/concerns can be brought up, discussed, and resolved prior to finalizing the design and submitting the Commission GO 88-B request. RCEB staff is available to answer questions or provide feedback at any stage of a project, including preliminary or conceptual design of a project.

Please review the “Guidelines for completing the GO 88-B Request Form” for further information and detailed steps to obtain a GO 88-B project authorization.

Request Form

GO 88-B Request Form (MS Word)

Request Form Guidelines

Guidelines for Completing the GO 88-B Request Form

Previously Issued Authorization Letters

Previously issued authorization letters can be found in the archive of GO 88-B Authorizations.