Section 1.001. Definitions.

 

(1)  "Crossing" means the intersection of a highway with a track or tracks of a railroad, including the area directly affecting or affected by said intersection.

(2)  "Highway" includes all public ways and thoroughfares and all bridges on the same, whether used by motorized vehicles or not, but does not include snowmobile trails.

(3)  "Mail" means first class, certified or regular mail, or inter-departmental mail.

(4)  "Office" means the office of the commissioner of railroads.

(5)  "Party" means any person who requests admission as a party and whose substantial interest may be affected by a decision. "Party" includes the railroad and maintaining highway authority and the department of transportation when a highway project which encompasses a crossing involves the expenditure of federal funds, whether on a state highway or not.