Part 8. TRAFFIC CONTROL FOR RAILROAD AND LIGHT RAIL ...€¦ · Part 8. TRAFFIC CONTROL FOR...

February, 2018

Part 8. TRAFFIC CONTROL FOR RAILROADAND LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT GRADE CROSSINGS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 8A. GENERAL Page

Section 8A.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8A-18A.2 Use of Standard Devices, Systems, and Practices at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings . . . 8A-18A.3 Use of Standard Devices, Systems, and Practices at Highway-LRT Grade Crossings . . 8A-28A.4 Uniform Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8A-38A.5 Grade Crossing Elimination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8A-38A.6 Illumination at Grade Crossings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8A-48A.7 Quiet Zone Treatments at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8A-48A.8 Temporary Traffic Control Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8A-4

Chapter 8B. SIGNS AND MARKINGSSection 8B.1 Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-1

8B.2 Sizes of Grade Crossing Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-18B.3 Highway-Rail Grade Crossing (Crossbuck) Sign (R15-1 and Number of Tracks

Plaque (R15-2P) at Active and Passive Grade Crossings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-18B.4 Crossbuck Assemblies with YIELD or STOP Signs at Passive Grade Crossings . . . . . . 8B-48B.5 Use of STOP (R1-1) or YIELD (R1-2) Signs without Crossbuck Signs

at Highway-LRT Grade Crossings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-78B.6 Grade Crossing Advance Warning Signs (W10 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-88B.6.1 Supplemental Railroad Advance Warning Signs (W10-X2, -X3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-98B.7 EXEMPT Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Plaques (R15-3P, W10-1aP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-98B.8 Turn Restrictions During Preemption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-108B.9 DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS Sign (R8-8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-108B.10 TRACKS OUT OF SERVICE Sign (R8-9). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-118B.11 STOP HERE WHEN FLASHING Signs (R8-10, R8-10a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-118B.12 STOP HERE ON RED Signs (R10-6, R10-6a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-118B.13 Light Rail Transit Only Lane Signs (R15-4 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-118B.14 Do Not Pass Light Rail Transit Signs (R15-5, R15-5a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-128B.15 No Motor Vehicles on Tracks Signs (R15-6, R15-6a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-128B.16 Divided Highway With Light Rail Transit Crossing Signs (R15-7 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-138B.17 LOOK Sign (R15-8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-138B.18 Emergency Notification Sign (I-13) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-138B.19 Light Rail Transit Approaching-Activated Blank-Out Warning Sign (W10-7) . . . . . . . . 8B-148B.20 TRAINS MAY EXCEED 80 MPH Sign (W10-8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-148B.21 NO TRAIN HORN Sign and Plaque (W10-9, W10-9P) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-148B.22 NO GATES OR LIGHTS Plaque (W10-13) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-148B.23 Low Ground Clearance Grade Crossing Sign (W10-5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-158B.24 Storage Space Signs (W10-11, W10-11a, W10-11b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-158B.25 Skewed Crossing Sign (W10-12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-168B.26 Light Rail Transit Station Sign (I-12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-168B.27 Pavement Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-168B.28 Stop and Yield Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-198B.29 Dynamic Envelope Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-19

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Chapter 8C. FLASHING LIGHT SIGNALS, GATES,AND TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page

Section 8C.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-18C.2 Flashing-Light Signals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-38C.3 Flashing-Light Signals at Highway-LRT Grade Crossings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-48C.4 Automatic Gates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-48C.5 Use of Automatic Gates at LRT Grade Crossings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-58C.6 Four-Quadrant Gate Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-58C.7 Wayside Horn Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-78C.8 Rail Traffic Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-78C.9 Traffic Control Signals at or Near Highway-Rail Grade Crossings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-88C.10 Traffic Control Signals at or Near Highway-LRT Grade Crossings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-98C.11 Use of Traffic Control Signals for Control of LRT Vehicles at Grade Crossings . . . . . . 8C-108C.12 Grade Crossing Within or In Close Proximity to Circular Intersections . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-128C.13 Pedestrian and Bicycle Signals and Crossings at LRT Grade Crossings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-12

Chapter 8D. PATHWAY GRADE CROSSINGSSection 8D.1 Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8D-1

8D.2 Use of Devices, Systems, and Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8D-18D.3 Pathway Grade Crossing Signs and Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8D-18D.4 Stop Lines, Edge Lines, and Detectable Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8D-18D.5 Passive Devices for Pathway Grade Crossings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8D-28D.6 Active Traffic Control Systems for Pathway Grade Crossings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8D-2

FIGURESFigure 8B-1 This figure has been deletedFigure 8B-2 Crossbuck Assembly with a YIELD or STOP Sign on the Crossbuck Sign Support . . . . . . 8B-3Figure 8B-3 Crossbuck Assembly with a YIELD or STOP Sign on a Separate Sign Support . . . . . . . . . 8B-5

(sheet 1 of 2)Figure 8B-3 Crossbuck Assembly with a YIELD or STOP Sign on the Crossbuck Sign Support . . . . . . 8B-6

(sheet 2 of 2)Figure 8B-4 This figure had been deletedFigure 8B-5 This figure has been deletedFigure 8B-6 Example of Placement of Warning Signs and Pavement Markings at Grade Crossings . . 8B-17Figure 8B-7 Grade Crossing Pavement Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-18Figure 8B-8 Example of Dynamic Envelope Pavement Markings at Grade Crossings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-19Figure 8B-9 Example of Light-Rail Transit Vehicle Dynamic Envelope Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-20

for Mixed-Use AlignmentsFigure 8C-1 Composite Drawing of Active Traffic Control Devices for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-2

Grade Crossings Showing ClearancesFigure 8C-2 Example of Location Plan for Flashing-Light Signals and . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-6

Four-Quadrant GatesFigure 8C-3 Light Rail Transit Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-11Figure 8C-4 Example of Flashing-Light Signal Assembly for Pedestrian Crossings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-13Figure 8C-5 Example of a Shared Pedestrian/Roadway Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-14

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Figure 8C-6 Example of a Separate Pedestrian Gate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-14Figure 8C-7 Examples of Placement of Pedestrian Gates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-15Figure 8C-8 Example of Dynamic Envelope Pavement Markings at Grade Crossings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-16Figure 8C-9 Examples of Light Rail Transit Vehicle Dynamic Envelope Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-16

for Mixed-Use AlignmentsFigure 8C-10 Examples of Pedestrian Barrier Installation at an Offset Non-Intersection . . . . . . . . . . . . 8C-17

Grade CrossingFigure 8D-1 Example of Signing and Markings for a Pathway Grade Crossing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8D-2

TABLESTable 8B-1 Grade Crossing Sign and Plaque Minimum Sizes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B-2

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Chapter 8A. General

8A.1 Introduction

Whenever the acronym "LRT" is used in Part 8, it refersto "light rail transit." Part 8 describes the traffic controldevices that are used at highway-rail and highway-LRTgrade crossings. Unless otherwise provided in the text or ona figure or table, the provisions of Part 8 are applicable toboth highway-rail and highway-LRT grade crossings. Whenthe phrase "grade crossing" is used by itself without theprefix "highway-rail" or "highway-LRT," it refers to bothhighway-rail and highway-LRT grade crossings.

Traffic control for grade crossings includes all signs,signals, markings, other warning devices, and their supportsalong highways approaching and at grade crossings. Thefunction of this traffic control is to promote safety andprovide effective operation of rail and/or LRT and highwaytraffic at grade crossings.

For purposes of design, installation, operation, andmaintenance of traffic control devices at grade crossings, itis recognized that the crossing of the highway and rail tracksis situated on a right-of-way available for the joint use ofboth highway traffic and railroad or LRT traffic.

The highway agency or authority with jurisdiction and theregulatory agency with statutory authority, if applicable,jointly determine the need and selection of devices at a gradecrossing.

In Part 8, the combination of devices selected or installedat a specific grade crossing is referred to as a "traffic controlsystem."

The traffic control devices, systems, and practicesdescribed in this Manual shall be used at all grade crossingsopen to public travel, consistent with Federal, State, andlocal laws and regulations.

Part 8 also describes the traffic control devices that areused in locations where light rail LRT vehicles are operatingalong streets and highways in mixed traffic with automotivevehicles.

LRT is a mode of metropolitan transportation thatemploys LRT vehicles (commonly known as light railvehicles, streetcars, or trolleys) that operate on rails in

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streets in mixed traffic, and LRT traffic that operates insemi-exclusive rights-of-way, or in exclusive rights-of-way.Grade crossings with LRT can occur at intersections or atmidblock locations, including public and private driveways.

An initial educational campaign along with an ongoingprogram to continue to educate new drivers is beneficialwhen introducing LRT operations to an area and, hence, newtraffic control devices.

LRT alignments can be grouped into one of the followingthree types:

A. Exclusive: An LRT right-of-way that is grade-separated or protected by a fence or traffic barrier.Motor vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles areprohibited within the right-of-way. Subways andaerial structures are included within this group. Thistype of alignment does not have grade crossings andis not further addressed in Part 8.

B. Semi-exclusive: An LRT alignment that is in aseparate right-of-way or along a street or railroadright-of-way where motor vehicles, pedestrians, andbicycles have limited access and cross at designatedlocations only.

C. Mixed-use: An alignment where LRT operates inmixed traffic with all types of road users. Thisincludes streets, transit malls, and pedestrian mallswhere the right-of-way is shared.

Where LRT and railroads use the same tracks or adjacenttracks, the traffic control devices, systems, and practices forhighway-rail grade crossings shall be used.

To promote an understanding of common terminologybetween highway, railroad and LRT signaling issues,definitions and acronyms pertaining to Part 8 are provided inSections 1A.13 and 1A.14.

8A.2 Use of Standard Devices, Systems,and Practices at Highway-Rail GradeCrossings

Because of the large number of significant variables to beconsidered, no single standard system of traffic controldevices is universally applicable for all highway-rail gradecrossings.

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The appropriate traffic control system to be used at ahighway-rail grade crossing should be determined by anengineering study involving both the highway agency andthe railroad company.

The engineering study may include the Highway-RailIntersection (HRI) components of the National IntelligentTransportation Systems (ITS) architecture, which is aUSDOT accepted method for linking the highway, vehicles,and traffic management systems with rail operations andwayside equipment.

More detail on HRI components is available fromUSDOT’s Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 NewJersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590 orwww.fra.dot.gov.

Traffic control devices, systems, and practices shall beconsistent with the design and application of the Standardscontained in this Manual.

Before a new highway-rail grade crossing traffic controlsystem is installed or before modifications are made to anexisting system, approval shall be obtained from thehighway agency with the jurisdictional and/or statutoryauthority, and from the railroad company.

To stimulate effective responses from road users, thesedevices, systems, and practices should use the five basicconsiderations employed generally for traffic controldevices and described fully in Section 1A.2: design,placement, operation, maintenance, and uniformity.

Many other details of highway-rail grade crossing trafficcontrol systems that are not set forth in Part 8 are containedin the publications listed in Section 1A.11, including the"2000 AREMA Communications & Signals Manual"published by the American Railway Engineering &Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) and the 2006edition of "Preemption of Traffic Signals Near RailroadCrossings" published by the Institute of TransportationEngineers (ITE).

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8A.3 Use of Standard Devices, Systems,and Practices at Highway-LRT GradeCrossings

The combination of devices selected or installed at aspecific highway-LRT grade crossing is referred to as aLight Rail Transit Traffic Control System.

Because of the large number of significant variables to beconsidered, no single standard system of traffic controldevices is universally applicable for all highway-LRT gradecrossings.

For the safety and integrity of operations by highway andLRT users, the highway agency with jurisdiction, theregulatory agency with statutory authority, if applicable, andthe LRT authority jointly determine the need and selectionof traffic control devices and the assignment of priority toLRT at a highway-LRT grade crossing.

The normal rules of the road and traffic control priorityidentified in the "Uniform Vehicle Code" govern the orderassigned to the movement of vehicles at an intersectionunless the local agency determines that it is appropriate toassign a higher priority to LRT. Examples of different typesof LRT priority control include separate traffic control signalphases for LRT movements, restriction of movement ofroadway vehicles in favor of LRT operations, andpreemption of highway traffic signal control toaccommodate LRT movements.

The appropriate traffic control system to be used at ahighway-LRT grade crossing should be determined by anengineering study conducted by the LRT or highway agencyin cooperation with other appropriate State and local organi-zations.

Traffic control devices, systems, and practices shall beconsistent with the design and application of the Standardscontained in this Manual.

The traffic control devices, systems, and practicesdescribed in this Manual shall be used at all highway-LRTgrade crossings.

Before any new highway-LRT grade crossing trafficcontrol system is installed or before modifications are madeto an existing system, approval shall be obtained from thehighway agency with the jurisdictional and/or statutoryauthority, and from the LRT agency.

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8A-2December, 2011

To stimulate effective responses from road users, thesedevices, systems, and practices should use the five basicconsiderations employed generally for traffic controldevices and described fully in Section 1A.2: design,placement, operation, maintenance, and uniformity.

Many other details of highway-LRT grade crossing trafficcontrol systems that are not set forth in Part 8 are containedin the publications listed in Section 1A.11.

Highway-LRT grade crossings in semi-exclusivealignments shall be equipped with a combination ofautomatic gates and flashing-light signals, or flashing-lightsignals only, or traffic control signals, unless an engineeringstudy indicates that the use of Crossbuck Assemblies, STOPsigns, or YIELD signs alone would be adequate.

Highway-LRT grade crossings in mixed-use alignmentsmay be equipped with traffic control signals unless anengineering study indicates that the use of CrossbuckAssemblies, STOP signs, or YIELD signs alone would beadequate.

Sections 8B.3 and 8B.4 contain provisions regarding theuse and placement of Crossbuck signs and CrossbuckAssemblies. Section 8B.5 describes the appropriateconditions for the use of STOP or YIELD signs alone at ahighway-LRT grade crossing. Sections 8C.10 and 8C.11contain provisions regarding the use of traffic control signalsat highway-LRT grade crossings.

8A.4 Uniform Provisions

All signs used in grade crossing traffic control systemsshall be retroreflectorized or illuminated as described inSection 2A.7 to show the same shape and similar color to anapproaching road user during both day and night.

No sign or signal shall be located in the center of anundivided highway, unless it is crashworthy (breakaway,yielding, or shielded with a longitudinal barrier or crashcushion) or unless it is placed on a raised island.

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Any signs or signals placed on a raised island in the centerof an undivided highway should be installed with aclearance of at least 2 feet from the outer edge of the raisedisland to the nearest edge of the sign or signal, except aspermitted in Section 2A.19.

Where the distance between tracks, measured along thehighway between the inside rails, exceeds 100 feet,additional signs or other appropriate traffic control devicesshould be used to inform approaching road users of the longdistance to cross the tracks.

8A.5 Grade Crossing Elimination

Because grade crossings are a potential source of crashesand congestion, agencies should conduct engineering studiesto determine the cost and benefits of eliminating thesecrossings.

When a grade crossing is eliminated, the traffic controldevices for the crossing shall be removed.

If the existing traffic control devices at a multiple-trackgrade crossing become improperly placed or inaccuratebecause of the removal of some of the tracks, the existingdevices shall be relocated and/or modified.

Any grade crossing that cannot be justified should beeliminated.

Where a roadway is removed from a grade crossing, theroadway approaches in the railroad or LRT right-of-wayshould also be removed and appropriate signs and objectmarkers should be placed at the roadway end in accordancewith Section 2C.66.

Where a railroad or LRT is eliminated at a grade crossing,the tracks should be removed or covered.

Based on engineering judgment, the TRACKS OUT OFSERVICE (R8-9) sign may be temporarily installed until thetracks are removed or covered. The length of time before thetracks will be removed or covered may be considered inmaking the decision as to whether to install the sign.

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Public and private agencies, including emergencyservices, businesses, and railroad or LRT companies, shouldmeet to plan appropriate traffic detours and the necessarysigning, marking, and flagging requirements for operationsduring temporary traffic control zone activities.Consideration should be given to the length of time that thegrade crossing is to be closed, the type of rail or LRT andhighway traffic affected, the time of day, and the materialsand techniques of repair.

The agencies responsible for the operation of the LRT andhighway should be contacted when the initial planningbegins for any temporary traffic control zone that mightdirectly or indirectly influence the flow of traffic on mixed-use facilities where LRT and road users operate.

Temporary traffic control operations should minimize theinconvenience, delay, and crash potential to affected traffic.Prior notice should be given to affected public or privateagencies, emergency services, businesses, railroad or LRTcompanies, and road users before the free movement of roadusers or rail traffic is infringed upon or blocked.

Temporary traffic control zone activities should not bepermitted to extensively prolong the closing of the gradecrossing.

The width, grade, alignment, and riding quality of thehighway surface at a grade crossing should, at a minimum,be restored to correspond with the quality of the approachesto the grade crossing.

Section 6G.18 contains additional information regardingtemporary traffic control zones in the vicinity of gradecrossings, and Figure 6H-46 shows an example of a typicalsituation that might be encountered.

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8A.6 Illumination at Grade Crossings

Illumination is sometimes installed at or adjacent to agrade crossing in order to provide better nighttime visibilityof trains or LRT equipment and the grade crossing (forexample, where a substantial amount of railroad or LRToperations are conducted at night, where grade crossings areblocked for extended periods of time, or where crash historyindicates that road users experience difficulty in seeingtrains or LRT equipment or traffic control devices duringhours of darkness).

Recommended types and locations of luminaires for illu-minating grade crossings are contained in the AmericanNational Standards Institute's (ANSI) "Practice for RoadwayLighting RP-8," which is available from the IlluminatingEngineering Society (see Section 1A.11).

8A.7 Quiet Zone Treatments at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings

49 CFR Part 222 (Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings; Final Rule) prescribes Quiet Zonerequirements and treatments.

Any traffic control device and its application where usedas part of a Quiet Zone shall comply with all applicableprovisions of the MUTCD.

8A.8 Temporary Traffic Control Zones

Temporary traffic control planning provides forcontinuity of operations (such as movement of traffic,pedestrians and bicycles, transit operations, and access toproperty/utilities) when the normal function of a roadway ata grade crossing is suspended because of temporary trafficcontrol operations.

Traffic controls for temporary traffic control zones thatinclude crossings shall be as outlined in Part 6.

When a grade crossing exists either within or in thevicinity of a temporary traffic control zone, lane restrictions,flagging (see Chapter 6E), or other operations shall not beperformed in a manner that would cause highway vehicles tostop on the railroad or LRT tracks, unless a flagger oruniformed law enforcement officer is provided at the gradecrossing to minimize the possibility of highway vehiclesstopping on the tracks, even if automatic warning devicesare in place.

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8B-1 July, 2012

8B.1 Purpose

Passive traffic control systems, consisting of signs andpavement markings only, identify and direct attention to thelocation of a grade crossing and advise road users to slowdown or stop at the grade crossing as necessary in order toyield to any rail traffic occupying, or approaching and inproximity to, the grade crossing.

Signs and markings regulate, warn, and guide the roadusers so that they, as well as LRT vehicle operators onmixed-use alignments, can take appropriate action whenapproaching a grade crossing.

The design and location of signs shall comply with theprovisions of Part 2. The design and location of pavementmarkings shall comply with the provisions of Part 3.

8B.2 Sizes of Grade Crossing Signs

The sizes of grade crossing signs shall be as shown inTable 8B-1 and Appendix C of this Manual.

Signs larger than those shown in Table 8B-1 andAppendix C of this Manual may be used (see Section 2A.11).

8B.3 Grade Crossing (Crossbuck) Sign(R15-1) and Number of TracksPlaque (R15-2P) at Active andPassive Grade Crossings

R15-1Drilled for 90-degree mounting R15-2P

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Chapter 8B. Signs and Markings

The Grade Crossing sign (R15-1), commonly identifiedas the Crossbuck sign, shall be retroreflectorized white withthe words RAILROAD CROSSING in black lettering,mounted as shown in Figure 8B-2.

In most States, the Crossbuck sign requires road users toyield the right-of-way to rail traffic at a grade crossing.

As a minimum, one Crossbuck sign shall be used on eachhighway approach to every highway-rail grade crossing,alone or in combination with other traffic control devices.

A Crossbuck sign may be used on a highway approach toa highway-LRT grade crossing on a semi-exclusive ormixed-use alignment, alone or in combination with othertraffic control devices.

If automatic gates are not present and if there are two ormore tracks at a grade crossing, the number of tracks shallbe indicated on a supplemental Number of Tracks (R15-2P)plaque of inverted T shape mounted below the Crossbucksign in the manner shown in Figure 8B-2.

On each approach to a highway-rail grade crossing and, ifused, on each approach to a highway-LRT grade crossing,the Crossbuck sign shall be installed on the right-hand sideof the highway on each approach to the grade crossing.Where restricted sight distance or unfavorable highwaygeometry exists on an approach to a grade crossing, anadditional Crossbuck sign shall be installed on the left-handside of the highway, possibly placed back-to-back with theCrossbuck sign for the opposite approach, or otherwiselocated so that two Crossbuck signs are displayed for thatapproach.

STANDARD:STANDARD:

OPTION:OPTION:

SUPPORT:SUPPORT:

STANDARD:STANDARD:

STANDARD:STANDARD:

MN

Rev

. 1

8B-2January, 2014

Table 8B-1. Grade Crossing Sign and Plaque Minimum Sizes

Stop

Yield

No Right Turn Across Tracks

No Left Turn Across Tracks

Do Not Stop on Tracks

Tracks Out of Service

Stop Here When Flashing

Stop Here When Flashing

Stop Here on Red

Stop Here on Red

Grade Crossing (Crossbuck)

Number of Tracks (plaque)

Exempt (plaque)

Light Rail Only Right Lane

Light Rail Only Left Lane

Light Rail Only Center Lane

Light Rail Do Not Pass

Do Not Pass Stopped Train

No Motor Vehicles on Tracks symbol

Do Not Drive on Tracks

Light Rail Divided Highway symbol

Light Rail Divided Highway symbol

(T-Intersection)

Look

Grade Crossing Advance Warning

Exempt (plaque)

Grade Crossing and Intersection

Advance Warning

Low Ground Clearance

Low Ground Clearance (plaque)

Light Rail Activated Blank-Out symbol

Trains May Exceed 80 MPH

No Train Horn

No Train Horn (plaque)

Storage Space symbol

Storage Space XX Feet Between

Tracks and Highway

Storage Space XX Feet Between

Highway and Tracks Behind You

Skewed Crossing

No Gates or Lights (plaque)

Next Crossing (plaque)

Use Next Crossing (plaque)

Rough Crossing (plaque)

Hidden Crossing

Look for Trains (w/arrows)

R1-1

R1-2

R3-1a

R3-2a

R8-8

R8-9

R8-10

R8-10a

R10-6

R10-6a

R15-1

R15-2P

R15-3P

R15-4a

R15-4b

R15-4c

R15-5

R15-5a

R15-6

R15-6a

R15-7

R15-7a

R15-8

W10-1

W10-1aP

W10-2,3,4

W10-5

W10-5P

W10-7

W10-8

W10-9

W10-9P

W10-11

W10-11a

W10-11b

W10-12

W10-13P

W10-14P

W10-14aP

W10-15P

W10-X2

W10-X3

8B.4

8B.5

8B.4

8B.5

8B.8

8B.8

8B.9

8B.10

8B.11

8B.11

8B.12

8B.12

8B.3

8B.3

8B.7

8B.13

8B.13

8B.13

8B.14

8B.14

8B.15

8B.15

8B.16

8B.16

8B.17

8B.6

8B.7

8B.6

8B.23

8B.23

8B.19

8B.20

8B.21

8B.21

8B.24

8B.24

8B.24

8B.25

8B.22

8B.23

8B.23

8B.23

8B.6.1

8B.6.1

30 x 30

36 x 36 x 36

24 x 30

24 x 30

24 x 30

24 x 24

24 x 36

24 x 30

24 x 36

24 x 30

48 x 9

27 x 18

24 x 12

24 x 30

24 x 30

24 x 30

24 x 30

24 x 30

24 x 24

24 x 30

24 x 24

24 x 24

36 x 18

36 Dia.

24 x 12

36 x 36

36 x 36

30 x 24

24 x 24

36 x 36

36 x 36

30 x 24

36 x 36

30 x 36

30 x 36

36 x 36

30 x 24

30 x 24

30 x 24

30 x 24

36 x 36

36 x 36

36 x 36

48 x 48 x 48

30 x 36

30 x 36

24 x 30

24 x 24

24 x 36

24 x 30

24 x 36

24 x 30

48 x 9

27 x 18

24 x 12

24 x 30

24 x 30

24 x 30

24 x 30

24 x 30

24 x 24

24 x 30

24 x 24

24 x 24

36 x 18

36 Dia.

24 x 12

36 x 36

36 x 36

30 x 24

24 x 24

36 x 36

36 x 36

30 x 24

36 x 36

30 x 36

30 x 36

36 x 36

30 x 24

30 x 24

30 x 24

30 x 24

36 x 36

36 x 36

36 x 36

48 x 48 x 48

---

---

36 x 48

36 x 36

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

48 Dia.

---

48 x 48

48 x 48

---

---

48 x 48

48 x 48

---

48 x 48

---

---

48 x 48

---

---

---

---

48 x 48

48 x 48

48 x 48

---

---

---

36 x 48

36 x 36

36 x 48

36 x 42

36 x 48

36 x 42

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

48 Dia.

---

48 x 48

48 x 48

---

---

48 x 48

48 x 48

---

48 x 48

---

---

48 x 48

---

---

---

36 x 30

48 x 48

48 x 48

---

30 x 30 x 30

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

Sign or Plaque SectionSingle Lane Multi-Lane

Conventional RoadSignDesignation

Expressway Minimum Oversized

Notes: 1. Larger signs may be used when appropriate.2. Dimensions in inches are shown as width x height.3. Table 9B-1 shows the minimum sizes that may be used for grade crossing signs and plaques

that face shared-use paths and pedestrian facilities.

MN

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The minimum lateral offset for the nearest edge of theCrossbuck sign should be 6 feet from the edge of theshoulder or 12 feet from the edge of the traveled way in ruralareas (whichever is greater), and 2 feet from the face of thecurb in urban areas.

Where unusual conditions make variations in location andlateral offset appropriate, engineering judgment should beused to provide the best practical combination of view andsafety clearances.

Crossbuck signs should be located with respect to thehighway pavement or shoulder in accordance with thecriteria in Chapter 2A and Figures 2A-2 and 2A-3, andshould be located with respect to the nearest track inaccordance with Figure 8C-2.

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

A strip of retroreflective white material not less than 2inches in width shall be used on each support at passivehighway-rail grade crossings. It shall extend for the fulllength of the front and back of the support from beneath theCrossbuck sign or Number of Tracks sign to within 2 feetabove the edge of the roadway.

Compliance Date: December 31, 2019

8B-3 July, 2012

Figure 8B-2. Crossbuck Assembly with a YIELD or STOP Signon the Crossbuck Sign Support

MN

Rev

. 1

Notes:1. YIELD or STOP signs are used only at passive crossings. A STOP sign is used only if an engineering studydetermines that it is appropriate for that particular approach.

2. Mounting height shall be at least 4 feet for installations of YIELD or STOP signs on existing Crossbuck sign supports.3. Mounting height shall be at least 7 feet for new installations in areas with pedestrian movements or parking.

* Height may be varied as requiredby local conditions and may beincreased to accommodate signsmounted below the Crossbuck sign.

** Measured to the ground level atthe base of the support.

T R A C K S3

9 feet *OR

2-inch white or redretroreflective stripon front

See Notes 2 and 3

2-inch whiteretroreflective stripon back of support

2 feet max **

Edge of roadway

RA I L

C R O S S I NG

ROAD

Y I E LD

8B-4July, 2012

8B.4 Crossbuck Assemblies with YIELD orSTOP Signs at Passive GradeCrossings

Y I E LD

STOP

R1-2R1-1

considered in the engineering study are the line of sight toapproaching rail traffic (giving due consideration to seasonalcrops or vegetation beyond both the highway and railroad orLRT rights-of-ways), the number of tracks, the speeds oftrains or LRT equipment and highway vehicles, and thecrash history at the grade crossing.

Sections 8A.2 and 8A.3 contain information regarding theresponsibilities of the highway agency and the railroadcompany or LRT agency regarding the selection, design, andoperation of traffic control devices placed at grade crossings.

If a YIELD or STOP sign is installed for a CrossbuckAssembly at a grade crossing, it may be installed on thesame support as the Crossbuck sign or it may be installed ona separate support at a point where the highway vehicle is tostop, or as near to that point as practical, but in either case,the YIELD or STOP sign is considered to be a part of theCrossbuck Assembly.

If a YIELD or STOP sign is installed on an existingCrossbuck sign support, the minimum height, measuredvertically from the bottom of the YIELD or STOP sign to thetop of the curb, or in the absence of curb, measuredvertically from the bottom of the YIELD or STOP sign to theelevation of the near edge of the traveled way, shall be 4 feet(see Figure 8B-2).

If a Crossbuck Assembly is installed on a new signsupport (see Figure 8B-2) or if the YIELD or STOP sign isinstalled on a separate support (see Figure 8B-3), theminimum height, measured vertically from the bottom of theYIELD or STOP sign to the top of the curb, or in the absenceof curb, measured vertically from the bottom of the YIELDor STOP sign to the elevation of the near edge of the traveledway, shall be 7 feet if the Crossbuck Assembly is installed inan area where parking or pedestrian movements are likely tooccur.

If a YIELD or STOP sign is installed for a CrossbuckAssembly at a grade crossing on a separate support than theCrossbuck sign (see Figure 8B-3), the YIELD or STOP signshould be placed at a point where the highway vehicle is tostop, or as near to that point as practical, but no closer than15 feet measured perpendicular from the nearest rail.

The meaning of a Crossbuck Assembly that includes aYIELD sign is that a road user approaching the gradecrossing needs to be prepared to decelerate, and whennecessary, yield the right-of-way to any rail traffic that might

STANDARD:STANDARD:

OPTION:OPTION:

SUPPORT:SUPPORT:

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

SUPPORT:SUPPORT:

A grade crossing Crossbuck Assembly shall consist of aCrossbuck (R15-1) sign, and a Number of Tracks (R15-2P)plaque if two or more tracks are present, that complies withthe provisions of Section 8B.3, and either a YIELD (R1-2)or STOP (R1-1) sign installed on the same support, exceptas provided in the following option. If used at a passivegrade crossing, a YIELD or STOP sign shall be installed incompliance with the provisions of Part 2, Section 2B.10,and Figures 8B-2 and 8B-3.


STANDARD:STANDARD:

At all public highway-rail grade crossings that are notequipped with the active traffic control systems that aredescribed in Chapter 8C, except crossings where road usersare directed by an authorized person on the ground to notenter the crossing at all times that an approaching train isabout to occupy the crossing, a Crossbuck Assembly shall beinstalled on the right-hand side of the highway on eachapproach to the highway-rail grade crossing.

If a Crossbuck sign is used on a highway approach to apublic highway-LRT grade crossing that is not equippedwith the active traffic control systems that are described inChapter 8C, a Crossbuck Assembly shall be installed on theright-hand side of the highway on each approach to thehighway-LRT grade crossing.

Where restricted sight distance or unfavorable highwaygeometry exists on an approach to a grade crossing that hasa Crossbuck Assembly, or where there is a one-way multi-lane approach, an additional Crossbuck Assembly shall beinstalled on the left-hand side of the highway.

A YIELD sign shall be the default traffic control devicefor Crossbuck Assemblies on all highway approaches topassive grade crossings unless an engineering studyperformed by the regulatory agency or highway authorityhaving jurisdiction over the roadway approach determinesthat a STOP sign is appropriate.

The use of STOP signs at passive grade crossings shouldbe limited to unusual conditions where requiring all highwayvehicles to make a full stop is deemed essential by anengineering study. Among the factors that should be

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

MN

Rev

. 1

8B-5 December, 2011

Figure 8B-3. Crossbuck Assembly with a YIELD or STOP Signon a Separate Sign Support (Sheet 1 of 2)

Notes:1. YIELD signs are used only at passive crossings.2. Place the face of the signs in the same plane and place the YIELD sign closest to the traveled way. Provide

a 2-inch minimum separation between the edge of the Crossbuck sign and the edge of the YIELD sign.

Optional 2-inchred retroreflective

strip on front5 feet min.

2 feetmax.

2-inch whiteretroreflective stripon front and back

2 inches min.

Edge oftraveledway

RA

I L

CR

OS

SI N

G

ROA

D

Y I E LD

6 feetmin.

RURAL AREA

7 feet min.Optional

2-inch redretroflectivestrip on front

2 feet max.


2 inchesmin.

Faceof curb

RA

I L

RA

I L

CR

OS

SI N

G

CR

OS

SI N

GROA

D

ROA

D2 feetmin.

AREA WITH PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENTS OR PARKING

Y I E LDY I E L D

8B-6December, 2011

Figure 8B-3. Crossbuck Assembly with a YIELD or STOP Signon a Separate Sign Support (Sheet 2 of 2)

Notes:1. STOP signs are used only at passive crossings and only if an engineering study determines that it is

appropriate for that particular approach.2. Place the face of the signs in the same plane and place the STOP sign closest to the traveled way. Provide

a 2-inch minimum separation between the edge of the Crossbuck sign and the edge of the STOP sign.

Optional 2-inchred retroflective

strip on front5 feet min.

2 foot max.


2 inches min.

Edge oftraveledway

RA

I L

CR

OS

SI N

G

ROA

D

6 feetmin.

RURAL AREA

7 feet min.

Optional 2-inchred retroflective

strip on front

2 feet max.


2 inchesmin.

Faceof curb

RA

I L

RA

I L

CR

OS

SI N

G

CR

OS

SI N

GROA

D

ROA

D2 feetmin.

AREA WITH PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENTS OR PARKING

STOP

STOP

8B-7 July, 2012

be occupying the crossing or might be approaching and insuch close proximity to the crossing that it would be unsafefor the road user to cross.

Certain commercial motor vehicles and school buses arerequired to stop at all grade crossings in accordance with 49CFR 392.10 even if a YIELD sign (or just a Crossbuck sign)is posted.

The meaning of a Crossbuck Assembly that includes aSTOP sign is that a road user approaching the grade crossingmust come to a full and complete stop not less than 15 feetshort of the nearest rail, and remain stopped while the roaduser determines if there is rail traffic either occupying thecrossing or approaching and in such close proximity to thecrossing that the road user must yield the right-of-way to railtraffic. The road user is permitted to proceed when it is safeto cross.

Section 8B.28 contains provisions regarding the use ofstop lines or yield lines at grade crossings.

8B.5 Use of STOP (R1-1) or YIELD (R1-2)Signs without Crossbuck Signs atHighway-LRT Grade Crossings

For all highway-LRT grade crossings where only STOP(R1-1) or YIELD (R1-2) signs are installed, the placementshall comply with the requirements of Section 2B.10. StopAhead (W3-1) or Yield Ahead (W3-2) Advance Warningsigns (see Figure 2C-6) shall also be installed if the criteriafor their installation given in Section 2C.36 are met.

The use of only STOP or YIELD signs for road users athighway-LRT grade crossings should be limited to thosecrossings where the need and feasibility is established by anengineering study. Such crossings should have all of thefollowing characteristics:

A. The crossing roadways should be secondary incharacter (such as a minor street with one lane in eachdirection, an alley, or a driveway) with low trafficvolumes and low speed limits. The specific thresholdsof traffic volumes and speed limits should bedetermined by the local agencies.

B. LRT speeds do not exceed 25 mph.C. The line of sight for an approaching LRT operator is

adequate from a sufficient distance such that theoperator can sound an audible signal and bring theLRT equipment to a stop before arriving at thecrossing.

D. The road user has sufficient sight distance at the stopline to permit the vehicle to cross the tracks before thearrival of the LRT equipment.

E. If at an intersection of two roadways, the intersectiondoes not meet the warrants for a traffic control signalas provided in Chapter 4C.

F. The LRT tracks are located such that highway vehiclesare not likely to stop on the tracks while waiting toenter a cross street or highway.

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

STANDARD:STANDARD:

R1-2R1-1

Y I E LD

STOP

SUPPORT:SUPPORT:

A vertical strip of retroreflective white material, not lessthan 2 inches in width, shall be used on each Crossbucksupport at passive grade crossings for the full length of theback of the support from the Crossbuck sign or Number ofTracks plaque to within 2 feet above the ground, except asprovided in the following option.


STANDARD:STANDARD:

The vertical strip of retroreflective material may beomitted from the back sides of Crossbuck sign supportsinstalled on one-way streets.

If a YIELD or STOP sign is installed on the same supportas the Crossbuck sign, a vertical strip of red (see Section2A.21) or white retroreflective material that is at least 2inches wide may be used on the front of the support from theYIELD or STOP sign to within 2 feet above the ground.

OPTION:OPTION:

If a Crossbuck sign support at a passive grade crossingdoes not include a YIELD or STOP sign (either because theYIELD or STOP sign is placed on a separate support orbecause a YIELD or STOP sign is not present on theapproach), a vertical strip of retroreflective white material,not less than 2 inches in width, shall be used for the fulllength of the front of the support from the Crossbuck signor Number of Tracks plaque to within 2 feet above theground.


STANDARD:STANDARD:

At all grade crossings where YIELD or STOP signs areinstalled, Yield Ahead (W3-2) or Stop Ahead (W3-1) signsshall also be installed if the criteria for their installation inSection 2C.36 are met.

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ev. 1

8B-8July, 2012

8B.6 Grade Crossing Advance WarningSigns (W10 Series)

A Grade Crossing Advance Warning (W10-1) sign shallbe used on each highway in advance of every highway-railgrade crossing, and every highway-LRT grade crossing insemi-exclusive alignments, except in the following circum-stances:

A. On an approach to a grade crossing from a T-intersec-tion with a parallel highway if the distance from theedge of the track to the edge of the parallel roadway isless than 100 feet and W10-3 signs are used on bothapproaches of the parallel highway;

B. On low-volume, low-speed highways crossing minorspurs or other tracks that are infrequently used androad users are directed by an authorized person on theground to not enter the crossing at all times thatapproaching rail traffic is about to occupy thecrossing;

C. In business or commercial areas where active gradecrossing traffic control devices are in use; or

D. Where physical conditions do not permit even apartially effective display of the sign.

The placement of the Grade Crossing Advance Warningsign shall be in accordance with Section 2C.5 and Table 2C-4.

W10-4W10-3

W10-2W10-1

R R

STANDARD:STANDARD:

A Yield Ahead (W3-2) or Stop Ahead (W3-1) AdvanceWarning sign shall also be installed if the criteria for theirinstallation given in Section 2C.36 are met. If a Yield Aheador Stop Ahead sign is installed on the approach to thecrossing, the W10-1 sign shall be installed upstream fromthe Yield Ahead or Stop Ahead sign. The Yield Ahead orStop Ahead sign shall be located in accordance with Table2C-4. The minimum distance between the signs shall be inaccordance with Section 2C.5 and Table 2C-4.

On divided highways and one-way streets, an additionalW10-1 sign may be erected on the left-hand side of theroadway.

If the distance between the railroad tracks and the parallelhighway, from the edge of the track to the edge of theparallel highway, is less than 100 feet, the W10-2, W10-3, orW10-4 signs shall be used on each approach of the parallelhighway to warn road users making a turn that they willencounter a highway-rail grade crossing soon after making aturn, and a W10-1 sign for the approach to the tracks shallnot be required to be between the tracks and the parallelhighway.

If the W10-2, W10-3, or W10-4 signs are used, signplacement shall be in accordance with the guidelines forIntersection Warning signs in Table 2C-4 in Chapter 2C(using the speed of the turning maneuver), through trafficand shall be measured from the highway intersection.

If the distance between the railroad tracks and the parallelhighway, from the edge of the tracks to the edge of theparallel roadway, is 100 feet or more, a W10-1 sign shouldbe installed in advance of the grade crossing, and the W10-2, W10-3, or W10-4 signs should not be used on the parallelhighway.

W3-2W3-1

OPTION:OPTION:

STANDARD:STANDARD:

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

MN

Rev

. 1

8B-9 February, 2018

8B.6.1 Supplemental Grade CrossingAdvance Warning Signs

(W10-X2, W10-X3)

These signs shall be used in advance of non-signalizedrailroad crossings, where conditions indicate the need foradditional advance warning supplementing that provided bythe Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Advance Warning sign(W10-1). They shall always be preceded on the approachby the W10-1 sign.

The use of these signs should be based on an investiga-tion of pertinent conditions at the crossing, such as trainand vehicle speeds, sight distance or obstructions, stoppingdistances and similar conditions.

The HIDDEN CROSSING sign (W10-X2) warns of sightobstructions at the crossing area calling for added vigilanceon the part of the motorist.

The LOOK FOR TRAINS sign (W10-X3) is a supplemen-tal sign used to warn the motorist of his obligation todetermine whether or not it is safe for him to proceed overthe crossing. It could logically follow the HIDDENCROSSING sign for additional emphasis.

Appropriate advisory speed plates may be mountedbeneath any railroad advance warning sign to indicate thesafe vehicle approach speed to the crossing.

H I D D E N

C R O S S I N G

LOO K

TRA I N S

FO R

W10-X3W10-X2

STANDARD:STANDARD:

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

SUPPORT:SUPPORT:

OPTION:OPTION:

8B.7 EXEMPT Grade Crossing Plaques(R15-3P, W10-1aP)

When authorized by law or regulation, a supplementalEXEMPT (R15-3P) plaque with a white background may beused below the Crossbuck sign or Number of Tracks plaque,if present, at the grade crossing, and a supplementalEXEMPT (W10-1aP) plaque with a yellow background maybe used below the Grade Crossing Advance Warning (W10series) sign.

Where neither the Crossbuck sign nor the advancewarning signs exist for a particular highway-LRT gradecrossing, an EXEMPT (R15-3P) plaque with a whitebackground may be placed on its own post on the near right-hand side of the approach to the crossing.

Minnesota Statute 169.28 states:

"The commissioner shall direct the railroad to erect at thecrossing signs bearing the word "Exempt" that conform tosection 169.06. The installation or presence of an exemptsign does not relieve a driver of the duty to use due care. Atrain must not proceed across an exempt crossing unless apolice officer is present to direct traffic or a railroademployee is on the ground to warn traffic until the trainenters the crossing."

These supplemental plaques inform drivers of highwayvehicles carrying passengers for hire, school buses carryingstudents, or highway vehicles carrying hazardous materialsthat a stop is not required at certain designated gradecrossings, except when rail traffic is approaching oroccupying the grade crossing, or the driver’s view isblocked.

EX EM PTEX EM PT

W10-1aPR15-3P

OPTION:OPTION:

SUPPORT:SUPPORT:

MN

Rev

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8B-10July, 2012

As an alternative to LRT-activated blank-out turnprohibition signs at intersections with traffic control signals,exclusive traffic control signal phases such that allmovements that cross the tracks have a steady red indicationmay be used in combination with No Turn on Red (R10-11,R10-11a, or R10-11b) signs (see Section 2B.53).

Turn prohibition signs that are associated withpreemption shall be visible or activated only when the gradecrossing restriction is in effect.

8B.9 DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS Sign(R8-8)

A DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS (R8-8) sign should beinstalled whenever an engineering study determines that thepotential for highway vehicles stopping on the tracks at agrade crossing is significant. Placement of the R8-8 signshould be determined as part of the engineering study. Thesign, if used, should be located on the right-hand side of thehighway on either the near or far side of the grade crossing,depending upon which position provides better visibility toapproaching drivers.

If a STOP or YIELD sign is installed at a location,including at a circular intersection, that is downstream fromthe grade crossing such that highway vehicle queues arelikely to extend beyond the tracks, a DO NOT STOP ONTRACKS sign (R8-8) should be used.

DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS signs may be placed onboth sides of the track.

On divided highways and one-way streets, a second DONOT STOP ON TRACKS sign may be placed on the near orfar left-hand side of the highway at the grade crossing tofurther improve visibility of the sign.

OPTION:OPTION:

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

R8-8

STO P

O N

TRACKS

DO N OT

STANDARD:STANDARD:

8B.8 Turn Restrictions DuringPreemption

At a signalized intersection that is located within 200 feetof a highway-rail grade crossing, measured from the edge ofthe track to the edge of the roadway, where the intersectiontraffic control signals are preempted by the approach of atrain, all existing turning movements toward the highway-rail grade crossing should be prohibited during the signalpreemption sequences.

A blank-out or changeable message sign and/orappropriate highway traffic signal indication or other similartype sign may be used to prohibit turning movements towardthe highway-rail grade crossing during preemption. The R3-1a and R3-2a signs may be used for this purpose.

LRT operations can include the use of activated blank-outsign technology for turn prohibition signs. The signs aretypically used on roads paralleling a semi exclusive ormixed-use LRT alignment where road users might turnacross the LRT tracks. A blank-out sign displays its messageonly when activated. When not activated, the sign face isblank.

An LRT-activated blank-out turn prohibition (R3-1a orR3-2a) sign should be used where an intersection adjacent toa highway-LRT crossing is controlled by STOP signs, or iscontrolled by traffic control signals with permissive turnmovements for road users crossing the tracks.

An LRT-activated blank-out turn prohibition (R3-1a orR3-2a) sign may be used for turning movements that crossthe tracks.

OPTION:OPTION:

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

SUPPORT:SUPPORT:

OPTION:OPTION:

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

R3-1a R3-2a

N O

LE FT

TU R N

ACROSS

TRACKS

N O

R I G H T

TU R N

ACROSS

TRACKS

MN

Rev

. 1

8B-11 December, 2011

8B.10 TRACKS OUT OF SERVICE Sign(R8-9)

The TRACKS OUT OF SERVICE (R8-9) sign may beused at a grade crossing instead of a Crossbuck (R15-1) signand a Number of Tracks (R15-2P) plaque or instead of aCrossbuck Assembly when railroad or LRT tracks have beentemporarily or permanently abandoned, but only until suchtime that the tracks are removed or covered.

When tracks are out of service, traffic control devices andgate arms shall be removed and the signal heads shall beremoved or hooded or turned from view to clearly indicatethat they are not in operation.

The R8-9 sign shall be removed when the tracks havebeen removed or covered or when the grade crossing isreturned to service.

8B.11 STOP HERE WHEN FLASHINGSign (R8-10, R8-10a)

The STOP HERE WHEN FLASHING (R8-10, R8-10a)sign may be used at a grade crossing to inform drivers of thelocation of the stop line or the point at which to stop whenthe flashing-light signals (see Section 8C.2) are activated.

OPTION:OPTION:

R8-10 R8-10a

STO PH ER E

WH EN

FLAS H I N G

STO PH ER E

WH EN

FLAS H I N G

STANDARD:STANDARD:

OPTION:OPTION:

R8-9

T RA C K S

O U T O F

S E RV I C E

8B.12 STOP HERE ON RED Sign(R10-6, R10-6a)

The STOP HERE ON RED (R10-6, R10-6a) sign definesand facilitates observance of stop lines at traffic controlsignals.

A STOP HERE ON RED sign may be used at locationswhere highway vehicles frequently violate the stop line orwhere it is not obvious to road users where to stop.

If possible, stop lines should be placed at a point wherethe highway vehicle driver has adequate sight distance alongthe track.

8B.13 Light Rail Transit Only Lane Signs(R15-4 Series)

The Light Rail Transit Only Lane (R15-4 series) signs areused for multi-lane operations, where roadway users mightneed additional guidance on lane use and/or restrictions.

Light Rail Transit Only Lane signs may be used on aroadway lane limited to only LRT use to indicate therestricted use of a lane in semi-exclusive and mixedalignments.

R15-4cR15-4bR15-4a

CENTER

LAN E

O N LY

LEFT

LAN E

O N LY

R I G HT

LAN E

O N LY

OPTION:OPTION:

SUPPORT:SUPPORT:

R10-6a

STO PH ER E

O N

R ED

STO PH ER E O N

R E D

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

OPTION:OPTION:

SUPPORT:SUPPORT:

R10-6

8B.15 No Motor Vehicles On Tracks Signs(R15-6, R15-6a)

The No Motor Vehicles On Tracks (R15-6) sign is usedwhere there are adjacent traffic lanes separated from theLRT lane by a curb or pavement markings.

The DO NOT ENTER (R5-1) sign should be used wherea road user could wrongly enter a LRT only street.

A No Motor Vehicles On Tracks sign may be used to determotor vehicles from driving on the trackway. It may beinstalled on a 3-foot flexible post between double tracks, ona post alongside the tracks, or overhead.

Instead of the R15-6 symbol sign, a regulatory sign withthe word message DO NOT DRIVE ON TRACKS (R15-6a)may be used.

A reduced size of 12 x 12 inches may be used if theR15-6 sign is installed between double tracks.

The smallest size for the R15-6 sign shall be 12 x 12inches.

STANDARD:STANDARD:

OPTION:OPTION:

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

SUPPORT:SUPPORT:

R15-6aR15-6

DO N OT

D R I V E

O N

TRACKS

8B-12December, 2011

If used, the R15-4a, R15-4b, and R15-4c signs should beinstalled on posts adjacent to the roadway containing theLRT tracks or overhead above the LRT only lane.

If the trackway is paved, preferential lane markings (seeChapter 3D) may be installed but only in combination withLight Rail Transit Only lane signs.

The trackway is the continuous way designated for LRT,including the entire dynamic envelope. Section 8B.29contains more information regarding the dynamic envelope.

8B.14 Do Not Pass Light Rail Transit Signs(R15-5, R15-5a)

A Do Not Pass Light Rail Transit (R15-5) sign is used toindicate that vehicles are not allowed to pass LRT vehiclesthat are loading or unloading passengers where there is noraised platform or physical separation from the lanes uponwhich other motor vehicles are operating.

The R15-5 sign may be used in mixed-use alignments andmay be mounted overhead where there are multiple lanes.

Instead of the R15-5 symbol sign, a regulatory sign withthe word message DO NOT PASS STOPPED TRAIN(R15-5a) may be used.

If used, the R15-5 sign should be located immediatelybefore the LRT boarding area.

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

OPTION:OPTION:

SUPPORT:SUPPORT:

R15-5aR15-5

DO N O T

PAS S

S T O P P E D

T RA I NPASS

DO N OT

SUPPORT:SUPPORT:

OPTION:OPTION:

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

8B.16 Divided Highway With Light RailTransit Crossing Signs (R15-7 Series)

The Divided Highway With Light Rail Transit Crossing(R15-7) sign may be used as a supplemental sign on theapproach legs of a roadway that intersects with a dividedhighway where LRT equipment operates in the median. Thesign may be placed beneath a STOP sign or mountedseparately.

The number of tracks displayed on the R15-7 sign shouldbe the same as the actual number of tracks.

When the Divided Highway With Light Rail TransitCrossing sign is used at a four-legged intersection, theR15-7 sign shall be used. When used at a T-intersection, theR15-7a sign shall be used.

8B.17 LOOK Sign (R15-8)

At grade crossings, the LOOK (R15-8) sign may bemounted as a supplemental plaque on the Crossbucksupport, or on a separate post in the immediate vicinity ofthe grade crossing on the railroad or LRT right-of-way.

A LOOK sign should not be mounted as a supplementalplaque on a Crossbuck Assembly that has a YIELD or STOPsign mounted on the same support as the Crossbuck.

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

OPTION:OPTION:

R15-8

LOO K

OPTION:OPTION:

R15-7aR15-7

D I V I D E D

H I G H WAY

D I V I D E D

H I G H WAY

STANDARD:STANDARD:

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

8B.18 Emergency Notification Sign (I-13)

Emergency Notification (I-13) signs should be installed atall highway-rail grade crossings, and at all highway-LRTgrade crossings on semi-exclusive alignments, to provideinformation to road users so that they can notify the railroadcompany or LRT agency about emergencies or malfunction-ing traffic control devices.

When Emergency Notification signs are used at ahighway-rail grade crossing, they shall, at a minimum,include the USDOT grade crossing inventory number andthe emergency contact telephone number.

When Emergency Notification signs are used at ahighway-LRT grade crossing, they shall, at a minimum,include a unique crossing identifier and the emergencycontact telephone number.

Emergency Notification Signs shall have a white legendand border on a blue background.

The Emergency Notification signs shall be positioned soas to not obstruct any traffic control devices or limit the viewof rail traffic approaching the grade crossing.

Emergency Notification signs should be retroreflective.

Emergency Notification signs should be oriented so as toface highway vehicles stopped on or at the grade crossing oron the traveled way near the grade crossing.

At station crossings, Emergency Notification signs orinformation should be posted in a conspicuous location.

Emergency Notification signs mounted on CrossbuckAssemblies or signal masts should only be large enough toprovide the necessary contact information. Use of largersigns that might obstruct the view of rail traffic or otherhighway vehicles should be avoided.

STANDARD:STANDARD:

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

R E P O R T EM E R G E N CY

O R P RO B L EM

T O 1 - 8 00 - 5 5 5 - 5 5 5 5

C RO S S I N G 836 597 H

I-13

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:


8B.19 Light Rail Transit Approaching-Activated Blank-Out Warning Sign

(W10-7)

The Light Rail Transit Approaching-Activated Blank-Out(W10-7) warning sign supplements the traffic controldevices to warn road users crossing the tracks ofapproaching LRT equipment.

A Light Rail Transit Approaching-Activated Blank-Outwarning sign may be used at signalized intersections nearhighway-LRT grade crossings or at crossings controlled bySTOP signs or automatic gates.

8B.20 TRAINS MAY EXCEED 80 MPHSign (W10-8)

Where trains are permitted to travel at speeds exceeding80 mph, a TRAINS MAY EXCEED 80 MPH (W10-8) signshould be installed facing road users approaching thehighway-rail grade crossing.

If used, the TRAINS MAY EXCEED 80 MPH signsshould be installed between the Grade Crossing AdvanceWarning (W10 series) sign and the highway-rail gradecrossing on all approaches to the highway-rail gradecrossing. The locations should be determined based onspecific site conditions.

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

W10-8

TRA I N S

MAY EXCEED

80 M .P. H .

OPTION:OPTION:

SUPPORT:SUPPORT:

W10-7

8B.21 NO TRAIN HORN Sign and Plaque(W10-9, W10-9P)

Either a NO TRAIN HORN (W10-9) sign or a NOTRAIN HORN (W10-9P) plaque shall be installed in eachdirection at each highway-rail grade crossing where a quietzone has been established in compliance with 49 CFR Part222. If a W10-9P plaque is used, it shall supplement and bemounted directly below the Grade Crossing AdvanceWarning (W10 series) sign.

8B.22 NO GATES OR LIGHTS Plaque(W10-13)

The NO GATES OR LIGHTS (W10-13P) plaque may bemounted below the Grade Crossing Advance Warning (W10series) sign at grade crossings that are not equipped withautomated signals.

W10-9P

N O

T RA I N H O R N

W10-9

N O

TRA I N

H O R N

STANDARD:STANDARD:

N O GAT E S

O R L IGHTS

W10-13P

OPTION:OPTION:

8B-14July, 2012

MN

Rev

. 1

8B.23 Low Ground Clearance Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Sign (W10-5)

If the highway profile conditions are sufficiently abrupt tocreate a hang-up situation for long wheelbase vehicles or fortrailers with low ground clearance, the Low GroundClearance Grade Crossing (W10-5) sign should be installedin advance of the grade crossing.

Because this symbol might not be readily recognizable bythe public, the Low Ground Clearance Grade Crossing(W10-5) warning sign shall be accompanied by aneducational plaque, LOW GROUND CLEARANCE. TheLOW GROUND CLEARANCE educational plaque shallremain in place for at least 3 years after the initial installa-tion of the W10-5 sign (see Section 2A.12).

Auxiliary plaques such as AHEAD, NEXT CROSSING,or USE NEXT CROSSING (with appropriate arrows), or asupplemental distance plaque should be placed below theW10-5 sign at the nearest intersecting highway where avehicle can detour or at a point on the highway wide enoughto permit a U-turn.

If engineering judgment of roadway geometric andoperating conditions confirms that highway vehicle speedsacross the tracks should be below the posted speed limit, aW13-1P advisory speed plaque should be posted.

If the grade crossing is rough, word message signs suchas BUMP, DIP, or ROUGH CROSSING may be installed. AW13-1P advisory speed plaque may be installed below theword message sign in advance of rough crossings.

Information on ground clearance requirements at gradecrossings is available in the "American Railway Engineeringand Maintenance-of-Way Association's EngineeringManual," or the American Association of State Highway andTransportation Officials' "Policy on Geometric Design ofHighways and Streets" (see Section 1A.11)

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

W10-5 W10-5P

L OW G R O U N D

C L EA R A N C E

SUPPORT:SUPPORT:

OPTION:OPTION:

STANDARD:STANDARD:

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

8B.24 Storage Space Signs(W10-11, W10-11a, W10-11b)

A Storage Space (W10-11) sign supplemented by a wordmessage storage distance (W10-11a) sign should be usedwhere there is a highway intersection in close proximity tothe grade crossing and an engineering study determines thatadequate space is not available to store a design vehicle(s)between the highway intersection and the train or LRTequipment dynamic envelope.

The Storage Space (W10-11 and W10-11a) signs shouldbe mounted in advance of the grade crossing at anappropriate location to advise drivers of the space availablefor highway vehicle storage between the highway intersec-tion and the grade crossing.

A Storage Space (W10-11b) sign may be mounted beyondthe grade crossing at the highway intersection under theSTOP or YIELD sign or just prior to the signalized intersec-tion to remind drivers of the storage space between thetracks and the highway intersection.

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

W10-11 W10-11a W10-11b

1 0 0 FE ET

B ETWE E N

T RAC K S AN D

H I G HWAY

B ETWE E N

H I G HWAY AN D

T RAC K S

B E H I N D YO U

1 0 0 FE ET

OPTION:OPTION:


8B.25 Skewed Crossing Sign (W10-12)

The Skewed Crossing (W10-12) sign may be used at askewed grade crossing to warn road users that the tracks arenot perpendicular to the highway.

If the Skewed Crossing sign is used, the symbol shouldshow the direction of the crossing (near left to far right, orthe mirror image if the track goes from far left to near right).If the Skewed Crossing sign is used where the angle of thecrossing is significantly different than 45 degrees, thesymbol should show the approximate angle of the crossing.

The Skewed Crossing sign shall not be used as areplacement for the required Advance Warning (W10-1)sign. If used, the Skewed Crossing sign shall supplement theW10-1 sign and shall be mounted on a separate post.

8B.26 Light Rail Transit Station Sign (I-12)

The Light Rail Transit Station (I-12) sign may be used todirect road users to an LRT station or boarding location. Itmay be supplemented by the name of the transit system andby arrows as provided in Section 2D.8.

OPTION:OPTION:

I-12

W10-12

OPTION:OPTION:

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

STANDARD:STANDARD:

8B.27 Pavement Markings

All grade crossing pavement markings shall be retrore-flectorized white. All other markings shall be in accordancewith Part 3.

On paved roadways, pavement markings in advance of agrade crossing shall consist of an X, the letters RR, a no-passing zone marking (on two-lane, two-way highways withcenter line markings in compliance with Section 3B.1), andcertain transverse lines as shown in Figures 8B-6 and 8B-7.

Identical markings shall be placed in each approach laneon all paved approaches to grade crossings where signals orautomatic gates are located, and at all other grade crossingswhere the posted or statutory highway speed is 40 mph orgreater.

Pavement markings shall not be required at gradecrossings where the posted or statutory highway speed isless than 40 mph, if an engineering study indicates that otherinstalled devices provide suitable warning and control.Pavement markings shall not be required at grade crossingsin urban areas if an engineering study indicates that otherinstalled devices provide suitable warning and control.

When pavement markings are used, a portion of the Xsymbol should be directly opposite the Grade CrossingAdvance Warning sign. The X symbol and letters should beelongated to allow for the low angle at which they will beviewed.

When justified by engineering judgment, supplementalpavement marking symbol(s) may be placed between theGrade Crossing Advance Warning sign and the gradecrossing.

STANDARD:STANDARD:

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

OPTION:OPTION:

8B-16December, 2011


(Optional)

(if needed) (if needed)

OR

2 feet

2 feet

2 feet

Approx. 15 feet

50 feet

See Chapter 2C,Table 2C-4

Pavement Marking Symbol

(see Figure 8B-7)

*

R R

A three lane roadway should be marked with acenter line for two-lane approach operation onthe approach to a crossing.

On multi-lane roads, the transverse bandsshould extend across all approach lanes,and individual RXR symbols should be usedin each approach lane.

If transverse lines are used at the gradecrossing, yield lines may be used insteadof stop lines if YIELD signs are used atthe grade crossing.

* When used, a portion of the pavementmarking symbol should be directly oppositethe Advance Warning Sign (W10-1).If needed, supplemental pavement markingsymbol(s) may be placed between theAdvance Warning Sign and the gradecrossing, but should be at least 50 feet fromthe stop or yield line.

Note: In an effort to simplify the figureto show warning sign andpavement marking placement,not all required traffic controldevices are shown.

Stop line approximately 8 feetupstream from the gate (if present)

Dynamic Envelope(see Figure 8B-8) Dynamic

EnvelopePavementMarking

(optional)

Directionof

Travel

Legend

Figure 8B-6. Example of Placement of Warning Signs and PavementMarkings at Grade Crossings

8B-18July, 2012

2 feet

2 feet

24 feet

20 feet

60 feet

16 feet

Note: Refer to Figure 8B-6for placement

6.6 feet

16inches

6 feet

1.5 feet

3 feet

Figure 8B-7. Grade Crossing Pavement Markings

MN

Rev

. 1

8B.28 Stop and Yield Lines

On paved roadways at grade crossings that are equippedwith active control devices such as flashing-light signals,gates, or traffic control signals, a stop line (see Section3B.16) shall be installed to indicate the point behind whichhighway vehicles are or might be required to stop.

On paved roadway approaches to passive grade crossingswhere a STOP sign is installed in conjunction with theCrossbuck sign, a stop line should be installed to indicate thepoint behind which highway vehicles are required to stop oras near to that point as practical.

If a stop line is used, it should be a transverse line at aright angle to the traveled way and should be placed approx-imately 8 feet in advance of the gate (if present), but nocloser than 15 feet in advance of the nearest rail.

On paved roadway approaches to passive grade crossingswhere a YIELD sign is installed in conjunction with the

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

OPTION:OPTION:

STANDARD:STANDARD:

Crossbuck sign, a yield line (see Section 3B.16) or a stopline may be installed to indicate the point behind whichhighway vehicles are required to yield or stop or as near tothat point as practical.

If a yield line is used, it should be a transverse line (seeFigure 3B-16) at a right angle to the traveled way and shouldbe placed no closer than 15 feet in advance of the nearest rail(see Figure 8B-6).

8B.29 Dynamic Envelope Markings

The dynamic envelope (see Figures 8B-8 and 8B-9)markings indicate the clearance required for the train or LRTequipment overhang resulting from any combination ofloading, lateral motion, or suspension failure.

Dynamic envelope markings may be installed at all gradecrossings, unless a Four-Quadrant Gate system (see Section8C.6) is used.

SUPPORT:SUPPORT:

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

OPTION:OPTION:


Optional 4-inchwhite pavement

markings

Note: In an effort to simplify the figure toshow the dynamic envelope markings,not all pavement markings or otherrequired traffic control devices are shown.

* The distance between the rail and thedynamic envelope pavement markingshould be equal to 6 feet unlessotherwise advised by the operatingrailroad or light rail transit agency.

*

*

DynamicEnvelope

Directionof

Travel

Legend

DYNAMICENVELOPE

Figure 8B-8. Example of Dynamic Envelope Pavement Markings at Grade Crossings

If used, pavement markings for indicating the dynamicenvelope shall comply with the provisions of Part 3 and shallbe a 4-inch normal solid white line or contrasting pavementcolor and/or contrasting pavement texture.

If pavement markings are used to convey the dynamicenvelope, they should be placed completely outside of thedynamic envelope. If used, dynamic envelope pavementmarkings should be placed on the highway 6 feet from andparallel to the nearest rail unless the operating railroadcompany or LRT agency advises otherwise. The pavementmarkings should extend across the roadway as shown inFigure 8B-8. The dynamic envelope pavement markings

STANDARD:STANDARD:

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

should not be placed perpendicular to the roadway at skewedgrade crossings.

In semi-exclusive LRT alignments, the dynamic envelopemarkings may be along the LRT trackway between intersec-tions where the trackway is immediately adjacent to travellanes and no physical barrier is present.

In mixed-use LRT alignments, the dynamic envelopemarkings may be continuous between intersections (seeFigure 8B-9).

In mixed-use LRT alignments, pavement markings foradjacent travel or parking lanes may be used instead ofdynamic envelope markings if the lines are outside thedynamic envelope.

8B-20February, 2018

Light rail transitvehicle dynamic

envelope

Roadway or sidewalkRoadway or sidewalk

Edge pavement markings Edge pavement markings

Differential,contrasting pavementtexture and/or color

Additional clearance forlight rail vehicle ends andmiddle ordinate overhangaround curves.


Differential orcontrastingpavementtexture

Direction of travel

Legend

A - Pavement Markings B - Contrasting Color and/or Texture

Figure 8B-9. Examples of Light Rail Transit Vehicle Dynamic Envelope Markingsfor Mixed-Use Alignments

OPTION:OPTION:

MN

Rev

. 6

Equipment housings (controller cabinets) should have alateral offset of at least 30 feet from the edge of the highway,and where railroad or LRT property and conditions allow, atleast 25 feet from the nearest rail.

If a pedestrian route is provided, sufficient clearance fromsupports, posts, and gate mechanisms should be maintainedfor pedestrian travel.

When determined by an engineering study, a lateralescape route to the right of the highway in advance of thegrade crossing traffic control devices should be kept free ofguardrail or other ground obstructions. Where guardrail isnot deemed necessary or appropriate, barriers should not beused for protecting signal supports.

The same lateral offset and roadside safety featuresshould apply to flashing-light signal and automatic gatelocations on both the right-hand and left-hand sides of theroadway.

In industrial or other areas involving only low-speedhighway traffic or where signals are vulnerable to damageby turning truck traffic, guardrail may be installed to provideprotection for the signal assembly.

Where both traffic control signals and flashing-lightsignals (with or without automatic gates) are in operation atthe same highway-LRT grade crossing, the operation of thedevices should be coordinated to avoid any display ofconflicting signal indications.

LRT typically operates through grade crossings in semi-exclusive and mixed-use alignments at speeds between 10and 65 mph.

When LRT speed is cited in this Part, it refers to themaximum speed at which LRT equipment is permitted totraverse a particular grade crossing.

SUPPORT:SUPPORT:

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

OPTION:OPTION:

8C.1 Introduction

Active traffic control systems inform road users of theapproach or presence of rail traffic at grade crossings. Thesesystems include four-quadrant gate systems, automaticgates, flashing-light signals, traffic control signals, actuatedblank-out and variable message signs, and other activetraffic control devices.

A composite drawing (see Figure 8C-1) shows a post-mounted flashing-light signal (two light units mounted in ahorizontal line), a flashing-light signal mounted on anoverhead structure, and an automatic gate assembly.

Post-mounted and overhead flashing-light signals may beused separately or in combination with each other asdetermined by an engineering study. Also, flashing-lightsignals may be used without automatic gate assemblies, asdetermined by an engineering study.

The meaning of flashing light signals and gates shall be asstated in the “Uniform Vehicle Code” (see Sections 11-701and 11-703 of the UVC), which is available from theNational Committee on Uniform Traffic Laws andOrdinances (see Page ii for the address).

Location and clearance dimensions for flashing-lightsignals and gates shall be as shown in Figure 8C-1.

When there is a curb, a horizontal offset of at least 2 feetshall be provided from the face of the vertical curb to theclosest part of the signal or gate arm in its upright position.When a cantilevered-arm flashing-light signal is used, thevertical clearance shall be at least 17 feet above the crown ofthe highway to the lowest point of the signal unit.

Where there is a shoulder, but no curb, a horizontal offsetof at least 2 feet from the edge of a paved or surfacedshoulder shall be provided, with an offset of at least 6 feetfrom the edge of the traveled way.

Where there is no curb or shoulder, the minimumhorizontal offset shall be 6 feet from the edge of the traveledway.

OPTION:OPTION:

SUPPORT:SUPPORT:

STANDARD:STANDARD:

8C-1


Chapter 8C. Flashing-Light Signals, Gates, andTraffic Control Signals

December, 2011

8C-2December, 2011

Figure 8C-1. Composite Drawing of Active Traffic Control Devices forGrade Crossings Showing Clearances.

T R A C K ST R A C K S

22

Length as specified

Edge of thetraffic controldevice that isnearest to theroadway

17 feet Minimumclearance abovecrown of roadway

15 inches

4 inches Maximumabove ground level

(see Note 2)

2 feet

3.5 feet Minimum4.5 feet Maximum

Minimum of three red lights positioned asappropriate for approaching traffic

Where gates are located in the median,additional median width may be requiredto provide the minimum clearance for thecounterweight supports.

Crown of the roadway

4.25 feetMaximum

12 inches

CL

30 inches

25.4 inches Maximum

7.5 foot Minimum9.5 foot Maximum.

*

For locating this reference line on an approach that does not have a curb, see Section 8C.1*

RA

I L

CR

OS

SI N

G

ROA

D

Notes:1. Where gates are located in the median, additional median width may be required to provide the

minimum clearance for the counterweight supports.2. The top of the signal foundation should be no more than 4 inches above the surface of the ground

and should be at the same elevation as the crown of the roadway. Where site conditions would notallow this to be achieved, the shoulder side slope should be re-graded or the height of the signalpost should be adjusted to meet the 17-foot vertical clearance requirement.

8C-3 December, 2011

8C.2 Flashing-Light Signals

Section 8C.3 contains additional information regardingflashing-light signals at highway-LRT grade crossings insemi-exclusive and mixed-use alignments.

If used, the flashing-light signal assembly (shown inFigure 8C-1) on the side of the highway shall include astandard Crossbuck (R15-1) sign, and where there is morethan one track, a supplemental Number of Tracks (R15-2P)plaque, all of which indicate to motorists, bicyclists, andpedestrians the location of a grade crossing.

At highway-rail grade crossings, bells or other audiblewarning devices may be included in the assembly and maybe operated in conjunction with the flashing lights to provideadditional warning for pedestrians, bicyclists, and/or othernon-motorized road users.

When indicating the approach or presence of rail traffic,the flashing-light signal shall display toward approachinghighway traffic two red lights mounted in a horizontal lineflashing alternately.

If used, flashing-light signals shall be placed to the rightof approaching highway traffic on all highway approaches toa grade crossing. They shall be located laterally with respectto the highway in compliance with Figure 8C-1 exceptwhere such location would adversely affect signal visibility.

If used at a grade crossing with highway traffic in bothdirections, back-to-back pairs of lights shall be placed oneach side of the tracks. On multi-lane one-way streets anddivided highways, flashing-light signals shall be placed onthe approach side of the grade crossing on both sides of theroadway or shall be placed above the highway.

Each red signal unit in the flashing-light signal shall flashalternately. The number of flashes per minute for each lampshall be 35 minimum and 65 maximum. Each lamp shall beilluminated approximately the same length of time. Totaltime of illumination of each pair of lamps shall be the entireoperating time. Flashing-light units shall use either 8-inch or12-inch nominal diameter lenses.

Flashing-light signal lenses shall be 12 inch in all newinstallations of grade crossing traffic control signals.

STANDARD:STANDARD:

SUPPORT:SUPPORT:

OPTION:OPTION:

STANDARD:STANDARD:

Grade crossing flashing-light signals shall operate at alow voltage using storage batteries either as a primary orstand-by source of electrical energy. Provision shall be madeto provide a source of energy for charging batteries.

Additional pairs of flashing-light units may be mountedon the same supporting post and directed toward vehiculartraffic approaching the grade crossing from other than theprincipal highway route, such as where there areapproaching routes on highways closely adjacent to andparallel to the railroad.

References to lenses in this Section shall not be used tolimit flashing-light signal optical units to incandescentlamps within optical assemblies that include lenses.

Research has resulted in flashing-light signal optical unitsthat are not lenses, such as, but not limited to, light emittingdiode (LED) flashing-light signal modules.

Flashing-light signals may be installed on overheadstructures or overhead supports as shown in Figure 8C-1where needed for additional emphasis, or for better visibilityto approaching traffic, particularly on multi-lane approachesor highways with profile restrictions.

If it is determined by an engineering study that one set offlashing lights on the cantilever arm is not sufficientlyvisible to road users, one or more additional sets of flashinglights may be mounted on the supporting post and/or on thecantilever arm.

Breakaway or frangible bases shall not be used foroverhead structures or cantilever supports.

Except as otherwise provided in the above option and theprevious sentence, flashing-light signals mounted overheadshall comply with the applicable provisions of this Section.

SUPPORT:SUPPORT:

STANDARD:STANDARD:

OPTION:OPTION:

STANDARD:STANDARD:

OPTION:OPTION:

8C-4July, 2012

8C.3 Flashing-Light Signals at Highway-LRT Grade Crossings

Section 8C.2 contains additional provisions regarding thedesign and operation of flashing-light signals, includingthose installed at highway-LRT grade crossings.

Highway-LRT grade crossings in semi-exclusivealignments shall be equipped with flashing-light signalswhere LRT speeds exceed 35 mph. Flashing-light signalsshall be clearly visible to motorists, pedestrians, andbicyclists.

If flashing-light signals are in operation at a highway-LRT crossing that is used by pedestrians, bicyclists, and/orother non-motorized road users, an audible device such as abell shall also be provided and shall be operated inconjunction with the flashing-light signals.

Where the crossing is at a location other than an intersec-tion and LRT speeds exceed 25 mph, flashing-light signalsshould be installed.

Traffic control signals may be used instead of flashing-light signals at highway-LRT grade crossings withinhighway-highway intersections where LRT speeds do notexceed 35 mph. Traffic control signals or flashing-lightsignals may be used where the crossing is at a location otherthan an intersection, where LRT speeds do not exceed 25mph, and when the roadway is a low-volume street whereprevailing speeds do not exceed 25 mph.

8C.4 Automatic Gates

An automatic gate is a traffic control device used inconjunction with flashing-light signals.

The automatic gate (see Figure 8C-1) shall consist of adrive mechanism and a fully retroreflectorized red- andwhite-striped gate arm with lights. When in the downposition, the gate arm shall extend across the approachinglanes of highway traffic.

In the normal sequence of operation, unless constantwarning time detection or other advanced system requiresotherwise, the flashing-light signals and the lights on the

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gate arm (in its normal upright position) shall be activatedimmediately upon detection of approaching rail traffic. Thegate arm shall start its downward motion not less than 3seconds after the flashing-light signals start to operate, shallreach its horizontal position at least 5 seconds before thearrival of the rail traffic, and shall remain in the downposition as long as the rail traffic occupies the gradecrossing.

When the rail traffic clears the grade crossing, and if noother rail traffic is detected, the gate arm shall ascend to itsupright position, following which the flashing-light signalsand the lights on the gate arm shall cease operation.

Gate arms shall be fully retroreflectorized on both sides,and shall have vertical stripes alternately red and white at16-inch intervals measured horizontally.

It is acceptable to replace a damaged gate with a gatehaving vertical stripes even if the other existing gates at thesame grade crossing have diagonal stripes; however, it isalso acceptable to replace a damaged gate with a gate havingdiagonal stripes if the other existing gates at the same gradecrossing have diagonal stripes in order to maintainconsistency per the provisions of the last option of theIntroduction.

Gate arms shall have at least three red lights as providedin Figure 8C-1.

When activated, the gate arm light nearest the tip shall beilluminated continuously and the other lights shall flashalternately in unison with the flashing-light signals.

The entrance gate arm mechanism shall be designed tofail safe in the down position.

The gate arm should ascend to its upright position 12seconds or less.

In its normal upright position, when no rail traffic isapproaching or occupying the grade crossing, the gate armshould be either vertical or nearly so (see Figure 8C-1).

In the design of individual installations, considerationshould be given to timing the operation of the gate arm toaccommodate large and/or slow-moving highway vehicles.

The gates should cover the approaching highway to blockall highway vehicles from being driven around the gatewithout crossing the center line.

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The effectiveness of gates may be enhanced by the use ofchannelizing devices or raised median islands to discouragedriving around lowered automatic gates.

Where gates are located in the median, additional medianwidth may be required to provide the minimum clearance forthe counterweight supports.

Automatic gates may be supplemented by cantileveredflashing-light signals (see Figure 8C-1) where there is a needfor additional emphasis or better visibility.

8C.5 Use of Automatic Gates at LRTGrade Crossings

Highway-LRT grade crossings in semi-exclusivealignments should be equipped with automatic gates andflashing-light signals (see Sections 8C.2 and 8C.3) whereLRT speeds exceed 35 mph.

Where a highway-LRT grade crossing is at a locationother than an intersection, where LRT speeds exceed 25mph, automatic gates and flashing-light signals may beinstalled.

Traffic control signals may be used instead of automaticgates at highway-LRT grade crossings within highway-highway intersections where LRT speeds do not exceed 35mph. Traffic control signals or flashing-light signals withoutautomatic gates may be used where the crossing is at alocation other than an intersection and where LRT speeds donot exceed 25 mph and the roadway is a low-volume streetwhere prevailing speeds do not exceed 25 mph.

8C.6 Four-Quadrant Gate Systems

Four-Quadrant Gate systems may be installed to improvesafety at grade crossings based on an engineering studywhen less restrictive measures, such as automatic gates andmedian islands, are not effective.

A Four-Quadrant Gate system shall consist of entranceand exit gates that control and block road users on all lanesentering and exiting the grade crossing.

The Four-Quadrant Gate system shall use a series of drivemechanisms and fully retroreflectorized red- and white-

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striped gate arms with lights, and when in the down positionthe gate arms extend individually across the entrance andexit lanes of the roadway as shown in Figure 8C-2.Standards contained in Sections 8C.1 through 8C.3 forflashing-light signals shall be followed for signal specifica-tions, location, and clearance distances.

In the normal sequence of operation, unless constantwarning time detection or other advanced system requiresotherwise, the flashing-light signals and the lights on thegate arms (in their normal upright positions) shall beactivated immediately upon the detection of approaching railtraffic. The gate arms for the entrance lanes of traffic shallstart their downward motion not less than 3 seconds after theflashing-light signals start to operate and shall reach theirhorizontal position at least 5 seconds before the arrival of therail traffic. Exit gate arm activation and downward motionshall be based on detection or timing requirementsestablished by an engineering study of the individual site.The gate arms shall remain in the down position as long asthe rail traffic occupies the grade crossing.

When the rail traffic clears the grade crossing, and if noother rail traffic is detected, the gate arms shall ascend totheir upright positions, following which the flashing-lightsignals and the lights on the gate arms shall cease operation.

Gate arm design, colors, and lighting requirements shallbe in accordance with the Standards contained in Section8C.4.

Except as provided in paragraph one of the followingOption, the exit gate arm mechanism shall be designed tofail-safe in the up position.

At locations where gate arms are offset a sufficientdistance for highway vehicles to drive between the entranceand exit gate arms, median islands (see Figure 8C-2) shall beinstalled in accordance with the needs established by anengineering study.

The gate arm should ascend to its upright position in 12seconds or less.

Four-Quadrant Gate systems should only be used inlocations with constant warning time detection.

The operating mode of the exit gates should bedetermined based upon an engineering study, with inputfrom the affected railroad company or LRT agency.

If the Timed Exit Gate Operating Mode is used, theengineering study, with input from the affected railroadcompany or LRT agency, should also determine the ExitGate Clearance Time (see definition in Section 1A.13).

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8C-5 December, 2011

8C-6December, 2011

Lateral clearances shall be inaccordance with Figure 8C-1and Chapter 8C.

Median island between gates(as determined by an engineering study)

Note: In an effort to simplify the figureto show typical location plans forflashing-light signals and four-quadrant gates, not all trafficcontrol devices are shown onthis figure.

12 feetMinimum

12 feetMinimum

12 feetMinimum

12 feetMinimum

TRACKLC

RIGHT ANGLE

Center ofPavement

ACUTE ANGLE

TRACK

LC

Center ofPavement

OBTUSE ANGLE

TRACK

LC

Center ofPavement

12 feetMinimum

12 feetMinimum

10 feetMinimum

10 feetMinimum

12 feetMinimum

10 feetMinimum

12 feetMinimum

10 feetMinimum

Direction of Travel

Entrance gate

Exit gate

Legend

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Figure 8C-2. Example of Location Plan for Flashing-Light Signalsand Four-Quadrant Gates.

8C-7 December, 2011

If the Dynamic Exit Gate Operating Mode is used,highway vehicle intrusion detection devices that are part ofa system that incorporates processing logic to detect thepresence of highway vehicles within the minimum trackclearance distance should be installed to control exit gateoperation.

Regardless of which exit gate operating mode is used, theExit Gate Clearance Time should be considered whendetermining additional time requirements for the MinimumWarning Time.

If a Four-Quadrant Gate system is used at a location thatis adjacent to an intersection that could cause highwayvehicles to queue within the minimum track clearancedistance, the Dynamic Exit Gate Operating Mode should beused unless an engineering study indicates otherwise.

If a Four-Quadrant Gate system is interconnected with ahighway traffic signal, backup or standby power should beconsidered for the highway traffic signal. Also, circuitryshould be installed to prevent the highway traffic signalfrom leaving the track clearance green interval until all ofthe gates are lowered.

At locations where sufficient space is available, exit gatesshould be positioned downstream from the track a distancethat provides a safety zone long enough to accommodate atleast one design vehicle between the exit gate and thenearest rail.

Four-Quadrant Gate systems should include remotehealth (status) monitoring capable of automaticallynotifying railroad or LRT signal maintenance personnelwhen anomalies have occurred within the system.

Exit lane gate arms may fail in the down position if thegrade crossing is equipped with remote health (status)monitoring.

Four-Quadrant Gate installations may include medianislands between opposing lanes on an approach to a gradecrossing.

Where sufficient space is available, median islandsshould be at least 60 feet in length.

8C.7 Wayside Horn Systems

A wayside horn system (see definition in Section 1A.13)may be installed in compliance with 49 CFR Part 222 to

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provide audible warning directed toward the road users at ahighway-rail or highway-LRT grade crossing or at apathway grade crossing.

Wayside horn systems used at grade crossings where thelocomotive horn is not sounded shall be equipped and shalloperate in compliance with the requirements of Appendix Eto 49 CFR Part 222.

The same lateral clearance and roadside safety featuresshould apply to wayside horn systems as described in theStandards contained in Section 8C.1. Wayside horn systems,when mounted on a separate pole assembly, should beinstalled no closer than 15 feet from the center of the nearesttrack and should be positioned to not obstruct the motorists'line of sight of the flashing-light signals.

8C.8 Rail Traffic Detection

The devices employed in active traffic control systemsshall be actuated by some form of rail traffic detection.

Rail traffic detection circuits, insofar as practical, shall bedesigned on the fail-safe principle.

Flashing-light signals shall operate for at least 20 secondsbefore the arrival of any rail traffic, except as provided in thefollowing option.

On tracks where all rail traffic operates at less than 20mph and where road users are directed by an authorizedperson on the ground to not enter the crossing at all timesthat approaching rail traffic is about to occupy the crossing,a shorter signal operating time for the flashing-light signalsmay be used.

Additional warning time may be provided whendetermined by an engineering study.

Where the speeds of different rail traffic on a given trackvary considerably under normal operation, special devicesor circuits should be installed to provide reasonably uniformnotice in advance of all rail traffic movements over the gradecrossing. Special control features should be used toeliminate the effects of station stops and switchingoperations within approach control circuits to preventexcessive activation of the traffic control devices while railtraffic is stopped on or switching upon the approach trackcontrol circuits.

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8C-8July, 2012

8C.9 Traffic Control Signals at or NearHighway-Rail Grade Crossings

Traffic control signals may be used instead of flashing-light signals to control road users at industrial highway-railgrade crossings and other places where train movements arevery slow, such as in switching operations.

The appropriate provisions of Part 4 relating to trafficcontrol signal design, installation and operation shall beapplicable where traffic control signals are used to controlroad users instead of flashing-light signals at highway-railgrade crossings.

Traffic control signals shall not be used instead offlashing-light signals to control road users at a mainlinehighway-rail grade crossing.

The highway agency with jurisdiction, the regulatoryagency with statutory authority, if applicable, and therailroad company should jointly determine the preemptionoperation at highway-rail grade crossings adjacent tosignalized highway intersections.

When a highway-rail grade crossing is equipped with aflashing-light signal system and is located within 200 feet ofan intersection or mid-block location controlled by a trafficcontrol signal, the traffic control signal should be providedwith preemption in accordance with Section 4D.13.

Coordination with the flashing-light signal system, queuedetection, or other alternatives should be considered fortraffic control signals located farther than 200 feet from thehighway-rail grade crossing. Factors to be considered shouldinclude traffic volumes, highway vehicle mix, highwayvehicle and train approach speeds, frequency of trains, andqueue lengths.

The highway agency or authority with jurisdiction, andthe regulatory agency with statutory authority, if applicable,should jointly determine the preemption operation and thetiming of traffic control signals interconnected withhighway-rail grade crossings adjacent to signalized highwayintersections.

Section 4D.27 includes a recommendation that trafficcontrol signals that are adjacent to highway-rail gradecrossings and that are coordinated with the flashing-lightsignals or that include railroad preemption features beprovided with a back-up power supply.

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Information regarding the type of preemption and anyrelated timing parameters shall be provided to the railroadcompany so that they can design the appropriate traindetection circuitry.

If preemption is provided, the normal sequence of trafficcontrol signal indications shall be preempted upon theapproach of trains to avoid entrapment of highway vehicleson the highway-rail grade crossing.

This preemption feature shall have an electrical circuit ofthe closed-circuit principle, or a supervised communicationcircuit between the control circuits of the highway-rail gradecrossing warning system and the traffic control signalcontroller. The traffic control signal controller pre-emptorshall be activated via the supervised communication circuitor the electrical circuit that is normally energized by thecontrol circuits of the highway-rail grade crossing warningsystem. The approach of a train to the highway-rail gradecrossing shall de-energize the electrical circuit or activatethe supervised communication circuit, which in turn shallactivate the traffic control signal controller preemptor. Thisshall establish and maintain the preemption condition duringthe time the highway-rail grade crossing warning system isactivated, except that when crossing gates exist, thepreemption condition shall be maintained until the crossinggates are energized to start their upward movement. Whenmultiple or successive preemptions occur, train activationshall receive first priority.

If a highway-rail grade crossing is located within 50 feet(or within 75 feet for a highway that is regularly used bymulti-unit highway vehicles) of an intersection controlled bya traffic control signal, the use of pre-signals to controltraffic approaching the grade crossing should be considered.

If used, the pre-signals shall display a steady red signalindication during the track clearance portion of a signalpreemption sequence to prohibit additional highwayvehicles from crossing the railroad track.

Consideration should be given to using visibility-limitedsignal faces (see definition in Section 1A.13) at the intersec-tion for the downstream signal faces that control theapproach that is equipped with pre-signals.

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The pre-signal phase sequencing may be timed with anoffset from the downstream signalized intersection such thatthe railroad track area and the area between the railroadtrack and the downstream signalized intersection isgenerally kept clear of stopped highway vehicles.

If a pre-signal is installed at an interconnected highway-rail grade crossing near a signalized intersection, a STOPHERE ON RED (R10-6) sign shall be installed near the pre-signal or at the stop line if used. If there is a nearbysignalized intersection with insufficient clear storagedistance for a design vehicle, or the highway-rail gradecrossing does not have gates, a No Turn on Red (R10-11,R10-11a, or R10-11b) sign (see Section 2B.53) shall beinstalled for the approach that crosses the railroad track, ifapplicable.

At locations where a highway-rail grade crossing islocated more than 50 feet (or more than 75 feet for ahighway regularly used by multi-unit highway vehicles)from an intersection controlled by a traffic control signal, apre-signal may be used if an engineering study determines aneed.

If highway traffic signals must be located within closeproximity to the flashing-light signal system, the highwaytraffic signals may be mounted on the same overheadstructure as the flashing-light signals.

Section 4C.10 describes the Intersection Near a GradeCrossing signal warrant that is intended for use at a locationwhere the proximity to the intersection of a grade crossingon an intersection approach controlled by a STOP or YIELDsign is the principal reason to consider installing a trafficcontrol signal.

Section 4D.27 describes additional considerationsregarding preemption of traffic control signals at or nearhighway-rail grade crossings.

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8C-9 July, 2012

8C.10 Traffic Control Signals at or NearHighway-LRT Grade Crossings

There are two types of traffic control signals forcontrolling vehicular and LRT movements at interfaces ofthe two modes. The first is the standard traffic control signaldescribed in Part 4, which is the focus of this Section. Theother type of signal is referred to as an LRT signal and isdiscussed in Section 8C.11.

The provisions of Part 4 and Section 8C.9 relating totraffic control signal design, installation, and operation,including interconnection with nearby automatic gates orflashing-light signals, shall be applicable as appropriatewhere traffic control signals are used at highway- LRT gradecrossings.

If traffic control signals are in operation at a crossing thatis used by pedestrians, bicyclists, and/or other non-motorized road users, an audible device such as a bell shallalso be provided and shall be operated in conjunction withthe traffic control signals.

When a highway-LRT grade crossing equipped with aflashing-light signal system is located within 200 feet of anintersection or midblock location controlled by a trafficcontrol signal, the traffic control signal should be providedwith preemption in accordance with Section 4D.27.

Coordination with the flashing-light signal system shouldbe considered for traffic control signals located more than200 feet from the crossing. Factors to be considered shouldinclude traffic volumes, highway vehicle mix, highwayvehicle and LRT approach speeds, frequency of LRT traffic,and queue lengths.

If the highway traffic signal has emergency-vehiclepreemption capability, it should be coordinated with LRToperation.

Where LRT operates in a wide median, highway vehiclescrossing the tracks and being controlled by both near and farside traffic signal faces should receive a protected left-turngreen phase from the far side signal face to clear highwayvehicles from the crossing when LRT equipment isapproaching the crossing.

Green indications may be provided during LRT phases forhighway vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle movements that donot conflict with LRT movements.

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Traffic control signals may be installed in addition tofour-quadrant gate systems and automatic gates at ahighway-LRT crossing if the crossing occurs within ahighway-highway intersection and if the traffic controlsignals meet the warrants described in Chapter 4C.

At a location other than an intersection, when LRT speedsare less than 25 mph, traffic control signals alone may beused to control road users at highway-LRT grade crossingsonly when justified by an engineering study.

Typical circumstances may include:

A. Geometric conditions preclude the installation ofhighway-LRT grade crossing warning devices.

B. LRT vehicles share the same roadway with road users.C. Traffic control signals already exist.

Section 4D.27 contains information regarding trafficcontrol signals at or near highway-LRT grade crossings thatare not equipped with highway-LRT grade crossing warningdevices.

Section 4C.10 describes the Intersection Near a GradeCrossing signal warrant that is intended for use at a locationwhere the proximity to the intersection of a grade crossingon an intersection approach controlled by a STOP or YIELDsign is the principal reason to consider installing a trafficcontrol signal.

When a highway-LRT grade crossing exists within asignalized intersection, consideration should be given toproviding separate turn signal faces (see definition inSection 1A.13) for the movements crossing the tracks.

Separate turn signal faces that are provided for turnmovements toward the crossing shall display a steady redindication during the approach and/or passage of LRTtraffic.

When a signalized intersection that is located within 200feet of a highway-LRT grade crossing is preempted, allexisting turning movements toward the highway- LRT gradecrossing should be prohibited.

Section 8B.8 contains information regarding theprohibition of turning movements toward the crossingduring preemption.

Part 4 contains information regarding signal phasing andtiming requirements.

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8C.11 Use of Traffic Control Signals forControl of LRT Vehicles at GradeCrossings

LRT movements in semi-exclusive alignments at non-gated grade crossings that are equipped with traffic controlsignals should be controlled by special LRT signalindications.

LRT traffic control signals, that are used to control LRTmovements only, should display the signal indicationsillustrated in Figure 8C-3.

Section 4D.27 contains information about the use of thesignal indications shown in Figure 8C-3 for the control ofexclusive bus movements at "queue jumper lanes" and forthe control of exclusive bus rapid transit movements onsemi-exclusive or mixed-use alignments.

Standard traffic control signals may be used instead ofLRT traffic control signals to control the movement of LRTvehicles (see Section 8C.10).

If a separate set of standard traffic control signalindications (red, yellow, and green circular and arrowindications) is used to control LRT movements, theindications shall be positioned so they are not visible tomotorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists (see Section 4D.12).

If the LRT crossing control is separate from the intersec-tion control, the two shall be interconnected. The LRT signalphase shall not be terminated until after the LRT vehicle hascleared the crossing.

LRT signals may be used at grade crossings and at inter-sections in mixed-use alignments in conjunction withstandard traffic control signals where special LRT signalphases are used to accommodate turning LRT vehicles orwhere additional LRT clearance time is desirable.

LRT signal faces should be separated vertically or hori-zontally from the nearest highway traffic signal face for thesame approach by at least 3 feet.

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8C-10December, 2011

8C-11 February, 2018

Figure 8C-3. Light Rail Transit Signals

Three-Lens Signal Two-Lens Signal

STOP

STOPPREPARETO STOP

GO GO

Flashing

Flashing

Flashing

Flashing

(2)

(1), (2)

(1), (2)

(1), (2)

(1)

(1)

(1)

Notes:

All aspects are white.

(1) Could be in single housing.

(2) “Go” lens may be used in flashing mode to indicate “prepare to stop”.

SINGLELRT

ROUTE

TWOLRT

ROUTEDIVERSION

THREELRT

ROUTEDIVERSION

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8C-12December, 2011

8C.12 Grade Crossings Within or In CloseProximity to Circular Intersections

At circular intersections, such as roundabouts and trafficcircles, that include or are within close proximity to a gradecrossing, a queue of vehicular traffic could cause highwayvehicles to stop on the grade crossing.

Where circular intersections include or are within 200feet of a grade crossing, an engineering study shall be madeto determine if queuing could impact the grade crossing. Iftraffic queues impact the grade crossing, provisions shall bemade to clear highway traffic from the grade crossing priorto the arrival of rail traffic.

Among the actions that can be taken to keep the gradecrossing clear of traffic or to clear traffic from the gradecrossing prior to the arrival of rail traffic are the following:

A. Elimination of the circular intersection,B. Geometric design revisions,C. Grade crossing regulatory and warning devices,D. Highway traffic signals,E. Traffic metering devices,F. Activated signs, orG. A combination of these or other actions.

8C.13 Pedestrian and Bicycle Signals andCrossings at LRT Grade Crossings

Where LRT tracks are immediately adjacent to othertracks or a road, pedestrian signalization should be designedto avoid having pedestrians wait between sets of tracks orbetween the tracks and the road. If adequate space exists fora pedestrian refuge and is justified based on engineeringjudgment, additional pedestrian signal heads, signing, anddetectors should be installed (see Section 4E.8).

When used at LRT crossings, pedestrian signal headsshall comply with the provisions of Section 4E.4.

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Flashing-light signals (see Figure 8C-4) with a Crossbuck(R15-1) sign and an audible device should be installed atpedestrian and bicycle crossings where an engineering studyhas determined that the sight distance is not sufficient forpedestrians and bicyclists to complete their crossing prior tothe arrival of the LRT traffic at the crossing, or where LRTspeeds exceed 35 mph.

If an engineering study shows that flashing-light signalswith a Crossbuck sign and an audible device would notprovide sufficient notice of an approaching LRT traffic, theLOOK (R15-8) sign (see Figure 8C-4) and/or pedestriangates should be considered (see Figures 8C-5 through 8C-7).

A pedestrian gate is similar to an automatic gate exceptthe gate arm is shorter.

The swing gate alerts pedestrians to the LRT tracks thatare to be crossed. Swing gates are designed to open awayfrom the tracks, requiring users to pull the gate open tocross, but permitting a quick exit from the trackway, and toautomatically close.

Swing gates may be installed across pedestrian andbicycle walkways (see Figure 8C-8).

Pedestrian barriers at offset crossings may be used atpedestrian and bicycle crossings as passive devices thatforce users to face approaching LRT before entering thetrackway (see Figures 8C-9 and 8C-10).

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Figure 8C-4. Example of Flashing-Light Signal Assembly for Pedestrian Crossings.

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8C-14February, 2018

Figure 8C-6. Example of a Separate Pedestrian Gate

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Curb Sidewalk

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4 inches Maximum

Figure 8C-5. Example of a Shared Pedestrian/Roadway Gate

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Curb

Sidewalk orshared-use [ath2 feet*

4 inchesMaximum

Note: The provision of a separate pedestrian gate is optionalbased upon site-specific conditions. If a separate pedestriangate is provided, the need for a separate Crossbuck sign,audible device, and flashing-light signals should bedetermined based upon site-specific conditions such as theproximity of the sidewalk or shared-use path to the roadwaygrade crossing devices.

* For locating this reference line

on an approach that does nothave a curb, see Section 8C.1.

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Figure 8C-7. Examples of Placement of Pedestrian Gates

CL

CL

CL

CL

Fence with 43-inch Maximum height Fence with 43-inch Maximum height


Pedestrian/roadway gate

Pedestrian gate

Automatic gate

Direction of travel

Legend

Sidewalk

Sidewalk

Pedestrian gate

Pedestrian gate

Contrasting pavementcolor or texture

Contrasting pavementcolor or texture

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8C-16February, 2018

Figure 8C-9. Examples of Light Rail Transit Vehicle Dynamic Envelope Markings for Mixed-Use Alignments

Figure 8C-8. Example of Dynamic Envelope Pavement Markings at Grade Crossings

Optional 4-inchwhite pavement

markings

Note: In an effort to simplify the figure toshow the dynamic envelope markings,not all pavement markings or otherrequired traffic control devices are shown.

* The distance between the rail and thedynamic envelope pavement markingshould be equal to 6 feet unlessotherwise advised by the operatingrailroad or light rail transit agency.

*

*

DynamicEnvelope

Directionof

Travel

Legend

DYNAMICENVELOPE

Light rail transitvehicle dynamic

envelope

Roadway or sidewalkRoadway or sidewalk

Edge pavement markings Edge pavement markings

Differential,contrasting pavementtexture and/or color



Differential orcontrastingpavementtexture

Direction of travel

Legend

A - Pavement Markings B - Contrasting Color and/or Texture

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Figure 8C-10. Examples of Pedestrian Barrier Installation at an Offset Non-Intersection Grade Crossing


Fence with 43-inch Maximum heightFence with 43-inch Maximum height

Contrastingpavement

color ortexture

Contrastingpavement

color ortexture

2 feet

2 feet

6.25 feet Minimum

6.25 feet Minimum

Direction of TravelLegend

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The minimum mounting height for post-mounted signs onpathways shall be 4 feet, measured vertically from thebottom edge of the sign to the elevation of the near edge ofthe pathway surface (see Figure 9B-1).

Pathway grade crossing traffic control devices shall belocated a minimum of 12 feet from the center of the nearesttrack.

The minimum sizes of pathway grade crossing signs shallbe as shown in the shared-use path column in Table 9B-1.

When overhead traffic control devices are used onpathways, the clearance from the bottom edge of the deviceto the pathway surface directly under the sign or device shallbe at least 8 feet.

If pathway users include those who travel faster thanpedestrians, such as bicyclists or skaters, the use of warningsigns and pavement markings in advance of the pathwaygrade crossing (see Figure 8D-1) should be considered.

8D.4 Stop Lines, Edge Lines, andDetectable Warnings

If used at pathway grade crossings, the pathway stop lineshould be a transverse line at the point where a pathway useris to stop. The pathway stop line should be placed at least 2feet further from the nearest rail than the gate, counter-weight, or flashing-light signals (if any of these are present)is placed, and at least 12 feet from the nearest rail.

Edge lines (see Section 3B.06) may be used on approachto and across the tracks at a pathway grade crossing, asidewalk at a highway-rail or highway-LRT grade crossing,or a station crossing to delineate the designated pathwayuser route.

Edge line delineation can be beneficial where the distanceacross the tracks is long, commonly because of a skewedgrade crossing or because of multiple tracks, or where thepathway surface is immediately adjacent to a traveled way.

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8D.1 Purpose

Traffic control for pathway grade crossings includes allsigns, signals, markings, other warning devices, and theirsupports at pathway grade crossings and along pathwayapproaches to grade crossings. The function of this trafficcontrol is to promote safety and provide effective operationof both rail and pathway traffic at pathway grade crossings.

Except as specifically provided in this Chapter, sidewalksare considered to be part of a highway-rail or highway-LRTgrade crossing rather than a pathway grade crossing, and arecovered by the provisions of Chapters 8B and 8C rather thanby the provisions of this Chapter. However, many of thetreatments outlined in this Chapter are applicable tosidewalks adjacent to highway-rail or highway-LRT gradecrossings, including detectable warnings, swing gates, andautomatic gates.

Crosswalks at intersections where pedestrians cross LRTtracks in mixed-use alignments are covered by theprovisions of Section 3B.18 rather than by the provisions ofthis Chapter.

8D.2 Use of Standard Devices, Systems,and Practices

The public agency with jurisdiction over the pathway andthe regulatory agency with statutory authority, if applicable,should jointly determine the need and selection of devices ata pathway grade crossing, including the appropriate trafficcontrol system to be used.

8D.3 Pathway Grade Crossing Signs andMarkings

Pathway grade crossing signs shall be standard in shape,legend, and color.

Traffic control devices mounted adjacent to pathways at aheight of less than 8 feet measured vertically from thebottom edge of the device to the elevation of the near edgeof the pathway surface shall have a minimum lateral offsetof 2 feet from the near edge of the device to the near edge ofthe pathway (see Figure 9B-1).

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8D-1 December, 2011


Chapter 8D. Pathway Grade Crossings

8D-2February, 2018

Figure 8D-1. Example of Signing and Markings for a Pathway Grade Crossing

50 feet

2 foot minimum

57.6 feet

R R

YIELD or STOP signsare used at passivecrossings only

*

* *

T R A C K S

2

OR

R15-1

R15-8 (optional)

R15-2P

R1-1R1-2

Shared-use path

W10-1

RAI L

CROSSI NG

ROAD

Y I E LD

STOP

LOO K

MN

Rev

. 6

8D-3 December, 2011

Detectable warning surfaces (see Section 3B.18) thatcontrast visually with adjacent walking surfaces, eitherlight-on-dark or dark-on-light, can be used to warnpedestrians about the locations of the tracks at a gradecrossing. The "Americans with Disabilities Act AccessibilityGuidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG)" (seeSection 1A.11) contains specifications for design andplacement of detectable warning surfaces.

8D.5 Passive Devices for Pathway GradeCrossings

Except as provided in the following option, where activetraffic control devices are not used, a Crossbuck Assemblyshall be installed on each approach to a pathway gradecrossing.

The Crossbuck Assembly may be omitted at stationcrossings and on the approaches to a pathway grade crossingthat is located within 25 feet of the traveled way at ahighway-rail or highway-LRT grade crossing.

The pathway user's ability to detect the presence ofapproaching rail traffic should be considered in determiningthe type and placement of traffic control devices or designfeatures (such as fencing or swing gates).

Nighttime visibility should be considered if designfeatures (such as fencing or swing gates) are used tochannelize pathway users.

If automatic gates and swing gates are used, the pathwayshould be channelized to direct users to the entrance to andexit from the pathway grade crossing.

If used, swing gates shall be designed to open away fromthe track(s) so that pathway users can quickly push the gateopen when moving away from the track(s). If used, swinggates shall be designed to automatically return to the closedposition after each use.

When used in conjunction with automatic gates atpathway grade crossings, swing gates may be equipped witha latching device that permits the gate to be opened onlyfrom the track side of the gate.

OPTION:OPTION:

STANDARD:STANDARD:

STANDARD:STANDARD:

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

OPTION:OPTION:

The "Americans with Disabilities Act AccessibilityGuidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG)" (seeSection 1A.11) contains information regarding spring hingesand door and gate opening forces for swing gates.

8D.6 Active Traffic Control Systems forPathway Grade Crossings

If used at a pathway grade crossing, an active trafficcontrol system shall include flashing-light signals for eachdirection of the pathway. A bell or other audible warningdevice shall also be provided.

Separate active traffic control devices may be omitted ata pathway grade crossing that is located within 25 feet of thetraveled way of a highway-rail or highway-LRT gradecrossing that is equipped with an active traffic controlsystem.

If used at pathway grade crossings, alternately flashingred lights shall be aligned horizontally and the light unitsshall have a diameter of at least 4 inches. The minimummounting height of the flashing red lights shall be 4 feet,measured vertically from the bottom edge of the lights to theelevation of the near edge of the pathway surface.

Traffic control devices may be installed between thetracks at multiple track crossings at stations.

The mounting height for flashing lights that are installedbetween the tracks at multiple track crossings at stationsshall be a minimum of 1 foot, measured vertically from thebottom edge of the lights to the elevation of the near edge ofthe pathway surface.

Automatic gates may be used at pathway grade crossings.

If used at a pathway grade crossing, the height of theautomatic gate arm when in the down position should be aminimum of 2.5 feet and a maximum of 4 feet above thesidewalk.

SUPPORT:SUPPORT:

OPTION:OPTION:

OPTION:OPTION:

OPTION:OPTION:

STANDARD:STANDARD:

STANDARD:STANDARD:

STANDARD:STANDARD:

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

8D-4December, 2011

If used, the gate configuration, which might include acombination of automatic gates and swing gates, shouldprovide for full width coverage of the pathway on bothapproaches to the track.

Where a sidewalk is located between the edge of aroadway and the support for a gate arm that extends acrossthe sidewalk and into the roadway, the location, placement,and height prescribed for vehicular gates shall be used (seeSection 8C.4).

If a separate automatic gate is used for a sidewalk, theheight of the gate arm when in the down position should bea minimum of 2.5 feet and a maximum of 4 feet above thesidewalk.

If a separate automatic gate is used for a sidewalk at ahighway-rail or highway-LRT grade crossing, instead of asupplemental or auxiliary gate arm installed as a part of thesame mechanism as the vehicular gate, a separatemechanism should be provided for the sidewalk gate toprevent a pedestrian from raising the vehicular gate.

STANDARD:STANDARD:

GUIDANCE:GUIDANCE:

Part 8. TRAFFIC CONTROL FOR RAILROAD AND LIGHT RAIL ...€¦ · Part 8. TRAFFIC CONTROL FOR...

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Transcript of Part 8. TRAFFIC CONTROL FOR RAILROAD AND LIGHT RAIL ...€¦ · Part 8. TRAFFIC CONTROL FOR...