- When only passive warning devices are installed at a rail-highway grade crossing, motorists need good information to determine whether a train is approaching. Verify the following information is presented at the crossing:
- Existence of a downstream rail-grade crossing
- The crossing’s passive status, which indicates the driver is responsible for determining if a train is at or near the crossings
- Actions required of the motorists (e.g., maintain speed, slow down, look for trains)
- Special conditions that warrant additional attention from the motorist (e.g., limited sight distance, skewed crossing)
- All passive crossings must be marked with a crossbuck warning device and a Yield or Stop
- Using only a crossbuck warning device is not sufficient to inform motorists of a downstream crossing.
- The MUTCD provides examples of signs used to inform drivers of passive rail-highway grade crossings.
CONTACT:
Chris VanDyke
Research Scientist | Program Manager
chrisvandyke@uky.edu