What happens at a level crossing?

Approaching trains activate a routine where, before the road lights and barriers are activated, all traffic signal phases go to red, except for the signal immediately after the crossing, which turns green (or flashing yellow) to allow traffic on the tracks to clear (in some cases, there are auxiliary traffic signals ...



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Once you enter the crossing, keep moving. Stop 15 feet away from flashing red lights, lowered gates, a signaling flagman or a stop sign. Never drive around a lowering gate or ignore signals. After a train passes, wait for gates to fully rise and for all lights to stop flashing before your cross.

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Level crossing waiting times “slashed” thanks to new technology. Waiting times at level crossings are set to be cut to 18-25 seconds thanks to new technology which recognises whether an approaching train is fast or slow, and whether it is going to stop at a station.

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A level crossing is an intersection where a railway line crosses a road, path, or (in rare situations) airport runway, at the same level, as opposed to the railway line crossing over or under using an overpass or tunnel.

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At most crossings, the signals will activate about 30 seconds before the train arrives but there are sensors measuring speed so that the crossing knows when to activate; so, the slower the train is, the longer the delay and the faster the train is, the earlier the crossing activates.

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Explanation: If your vehicle breaks down on a level crossing, your first priority is to get everyone out of the vehicle and clear of the crossing. Then use the railway telephone, if there is one, to tell the signal operator.

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Originally Answered: Are there cameras at all railroad crossings? No - but that is going to change. For real-time operations of traffic, my area of expertise, cameras are essential to properly implementing traffic changes via signals and signage.

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A highway/road authority has responsibilities on the approaches to a level crossing.

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The only safe place to cross railroad tracks is at a designated public crossing. Do not cross the tracks immediately after a train passes. A second train might be blocked by the first. Trains can come from either direction.

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