Crossing signal question...

[John D]

I'm wondering who decides where and when to put up a full gated crossing signal on a road/train crossing.  I just moved near the RJ Corman track in Simpsonvile and the road is pretty busy but the rail traffic is not... The signal is only flashers and no gate...

Does the RR decide or do the Feds or State tell them what kind of signal to put where??  I'm assuming the RR pays the bill.

John D

[Hoydie17]

It varies actually.

The railroad usually foots the bill up to a certain type of protection as per FRSA (Federal Railroad Safety Administration)  guidelines.  It is then up to the town or other local government if they want to have more or less.   And it's a catch 22, if the local authorities say less protection, they have to pay for the higher liability insurance that will come with "substandard crossing protection".  If they say they want more such as gates, and overhead flashers, the railroad will send them the bill for the difference beyond what is required by the FRSA Guidelines.

The FRSA Guidelines are determined based on automobile traffic density and frequency, speed, and of course rail traffic speed and frequency.

Sean

[conrail kid]

Its odd on the Conemaugh line, there is a stretch 3 crossings in a row in less than a mile. one is leading to a chemical plant-lights, no gate, next one is at a residential area and park-just crossbucks. no lights or gates. 3rd one is a crossing for a glass plant. full lights and gates.  its odd how they determine what gets what protection.