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Yesterday, the Federal Railroad Administration announced it would grant Southern California Regional Rail Authority’s (SCRRA) Metrolink $250,000 to study a “sealed corridor” concept. FRA’s mission: determine whether it’s possible to reduce or eliminate the chance of cars crossing into the path of trains along two of the commuter railroad’s service routes.

Metrolink will evaluate 49 crossings on the 26-mile Antelope and 32-mile Ventura County lines. Evaluators will consider current and projected traffic conditions, recommend safety enhancements, create a grade crossing improvement priority list, identify potential closures and provide cost estimates. Potential improvements include four-quadrant gates, extended gate arms, grade separations, highway median separators, traffic signal upgrades and permanent closures.

In addition, Metrolink will develop a program to construct locked gates and other barriers to deny right-of-way access at certain locations other than highway-rail crossings, including fencing to deter trespassers.

Metrolink’s study will be patterned after North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) sealed corridor between Charlotte and Raleigh. To date, NCDOT has completed safety upgrades at 67 crossings, and closed 64 public and private crossings.

“A sealed rail corridor keeps passengers safe by keeping vehicles out,” said FRA Administrator Joseph Boardman in a prepared statement.