How are railroad crossing gates activated?
The basic signal consists of flashing red lights, a crossbuck and a bell, attached to a mast. At most crossings, the signals will activate about 30 seconds before the train arrives. The gates will rise and the signals will shut off once the end of the train clears the island circuit.
What are railroad crossings controlled by?
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulates the aspects of grade crossing safety pertaining specifically to the railroads such as track safety, train-activated warning devices and train safety and conspicuity.
When approaching a railroad crossing that does not have gates or lights?
Always be prepared to yield to any oncoming trains before crossing railroad tracks, particularly if there are no lights or gates controlling the crossing. Never start to cross the tracks until there is room for your entire vehicle on the other side of the tracks.
What is the difference between an active and passive railroad crossing?
An active-railroad crossing are controlled with electric signals. A gate will usually close, lights flash and a sound is made. A passive railroad crossing do not have any lights, sounds, or gates. They are just marked by a railroad crossing sign and a yield or stop sign.
What is a passive railroad crossing not going to have?
Highway-rail grade crossings that don’t have lights and gates are called “passive” crossings because there are no devices that activate when a train approaches. Some crossings have flashing lights, bells and other electric devices that warn of an approaching train.
Where are the lights at a railroad crossing?
Railroad crossing gates and lights Horizontal red traffic lights are often installed on or near to the crossbuck sign marking the crossing. The lights are usually accompanied by a bell signal. Safety gates may or may not be present at the crossing.
When to stop at a railroad crossing gate?
Many railroad-highway crossings have gates with flashing red lights and bells. Stop when the lights begin to flash and before the gate lowers across the road lane. Remain stopped until the gates go up and the lights have stopped flashing. Proceed when it is safe.
When do you need to reconfigure a railroad crossing?
Some railroads request reconfiguration of the crossing when gate arm lengths would exceed 32 feet and it may be necessary to place gate assemblies in the median to cover the approach highway. In these cases, crash cushions or other safety barriers may be desirable.
What do you need to know about grade crossings?
Active Grade Crossings have active warning and control devices such as bells, flashing lights, and gates, in addition to passive warning devices such as crossbucks (the familiar x-shaped signs that mean yield to the train), yield or stop signs and pavement markings. While passive Grade Crossings have only passive warning devices.