Construction and Maintenance of Crossings Over Public Highways
- Where the railway line crosses public highways, the corporation is responsible for constructing and maintaining bridges and crossings to ensure uninterrupted public communication.
- Safety measures must include posting danger notices at crossings to alert the public of passing trains.
- For crossings deemed particularly hazardous, the corporation must install gates or station guards.
- Such safety requirements are implemented upon directives from the provincial or Manila Municipal boards, with approval by the Supervising Railway Expert.
Certification of Railroad Safety Before Opening for Public Use
- Before opening any portion of the railway to passenger and freight transport, the corporation must provide written notice to the Supervising Railway Expert affirming readiness.
- The Supervising Railway Expert or an assistant must promptly inspect the railroad infrastructure, including roadways, bridges, tunnels, locomotives, and rolling stock.
- The inspection ensures compliance with laws and public safety standards.
- Upon satisfactory inspection, the Expert certifies the line’s safety to the Secretary of Commerce and Police.
- The Secretary then authorizes the opening of the completed and safe railway section.
Crossing of Railroad Rights of Way by Other Rail Lines
- Railroad rights-of-way may be crossed by other government-authorized railroad lines.
- The manner of crossing is determined by the Supervising Railway Expert with the Secretary of Commerce and Police’s approval.
- Full compensation must be paid for any damage caused to the original track by the crossing.
Speed Regulations Within Municipal and Urban Limits
- Trains running within city or populated municipal areas may not exceed a speed of thirty-two kilometers per hour.
- Municipal councils have the authority to set a lower maximum speed limit.
- If a municipality sets a speed limit lower than thirty-two kilometers per hour, the corporation can appeal to the Supervising Railway Expert.
- The Expert may confirm the municipal speed limit or set a different speed limit not exceeding thirty-two kilometers per hour.
These amendments to Act No. 1459 provide detailed regulatory measures ensuring proper planning, construction, safety, and operation of railroads, with oversight and approval by government authorities concerned with public safety and infrastructure integrity.