What is railroad preemption?
Traffic signal preemption involves a special timing sequence upon the arrival of a train when an at-grade crossing exists nearby on one or more legs of the signalized intersection. A traffic signal controller is preempted by warning from the railroad company.
What is a queue cutter?
A queue-cutter is a traffic control signal which only controls traffic approaching a crossing and is operated independently of other traffic signals in the vicinity.
What type of sign is a railroad crossing?

warning sign
The railroad crossing sign is a warning sign. Railroad crossing signs are designed to alert drivers of railroad tracks ahead.
What is the sign for do not stop on tracks?
The DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS sign reminds the driver not to stop on the railroad tracks for any reason. NO TRESPASSING signs often are posted at bridges, tunnels, trestles, railroad rights-of-way, and railroad yards.
What is a passive crossing?
A passive crossing is one that does not have flashing lights or automatic gates. ● The crossbuck sign, the white X sign, is a regulatory sign that means Yield. Crossbuck signs are required at all public railroad crossings. The railroad companies install and maintain crossbuck signs.
Do all railroad crossings have gates?

Why aren’t there gates at all crossings? Some crossings have very little vehicular and train traffic. At such crossings it may not be cost effective to install and maintain gates or flashing lights. Decisions regarding the appropriate type of warning devices are made by the state highway officials.
What triggers railroad crossing gates?
The basic signal consists of flashing red lights, a crossbuck and a bell, attached to a mast. At most crossings, the signals will activate about 30 seconds before the train arrives.
What should you do as you approach a crossbuck?
Crossbuck Signs You are legally required to yield the right of way to trains. Slow down, look and listen for the train, and stop if a train approaches.
What signs markings identify a railroad crossing?
“GRADE CROSSING” (Crossbuck) sign (R15-1) and “NUMBER OF TRACKS” sign (R15-2): The “GRADE CROSSING” sign, commonly identified as the “Crossbuck” consists of a white reflectorized background with the words “RAILROAD CROSSING” in black lettering, as shown in Figure 9.
What is a sign indicating a passive railroad crossing?
Crossbuck. A sign indicating a passive railroad crossing.
What are railroad crossing arms called?
Level crossing signals are the electronic warning devices for road vehicles at railroad level crossings. The basic signal consists of flashing red lights, a crossbuck and a bell, attached to a mast.
What sign warns you that you are approaching train tracks?
Advance Warning Sign
The round yellow sign, called an Advance Warning Sign, warns drivers that the road intersects with railroad tracks ahead. This sign tells us to slow down and be prepared to stop if a train is approaching.
What is the MUTCD guidance for highway-rail grade crossings?
2009 MUTCD Text Part 8 – Page 4 of 46 December 2009 Guidance: 2 The appropriate traffic control system to be used at a highway-rail grade crossing should be determined by an engineering study involving both the highway agency and the railroad company. Option: 3
What is the purpose of the MUTCD?
The purpose of the MUTCD is to set minimum standards for all Traffic Control Devices used on U.S. roads and highways. Traffic Control Devices (TCD) include all road signs, highway markings, electronic traffic signals, railroad crossings, and road-way construction zone areas. States must adopt the new 2009 edition by January 15, 2012.
What is the new MUTCD for 2009?
Traffic Control Devices (TCD) include all road signs, highway markings, electronic traffic signals, railroad crossings, and road-way construction zone areas. States must adopt the new 2009 edition by January 15, 2012. Adoption Status of the 2009 National MUTCD by States .
When is a traffic control signal preemption required for a grade crossing?
When a highway-LRT grade crossing equipped with a flashing-light signal system is located within 200 feet of an intersection or midblock location controlled by a traffic control signal, the traffic control signal should be provided with preemption in accordance with Section 4D.27. 5