Do All Railroad Crossings Have Signals? A Comprehensive Guide

Do all railroad crossings have signals?

The Global Perspective: United Kingdom

No, not all railroad crossings have signals. In the United Kingdom, many crossings referred to as 'occupational' or 'user-worked' crossings, are typically marked only with manual gates and warning signs. Road users may find a telephone at these locations to contact the nearest signal box to inform the signaller that they wish to cross the tracks, ensuring the railway line is clear.

Some crossings might also have miniature red/green warning lights to indicate the state of the line. However, the provision of barriers and lights is usually limited to busier public road crossings, as these are more critical for public safety.

Examples of Non-Signal Crossings

Interestingly, there are instances where railroad crossings can be very simple. For example, some small gravel roads may cross the tracks leading to a private driveway, oftentimes not equipped with any signals or gates at all.

More Busy Road Crossings

On busy roads, railroad crossings typically feature flashing red lights and boom gates that close when a train approaches. In some cases, these crossings might also incorporate standard traffic lights, which is particularly helpful in areas where nearby intersections are also signalled to ensure road traffic does not block the tracks. YouTube channels document the consequences when these protocols are not followed.

United States Railroad Crossings: Differences and Similarities

Not all railroad grade crossings in the United States have signals. The level of signalization is dependent on the train frequency and vehicular traffic volume that the crossing sees. In urban areas, most mainline crossings have flashing lights, bells, and often gates. Industrial spurs usually only have crossbucks unless they cross a major street.

Rural Area Crossings

In rural areas, major highways and busy roads often have flashing lights, bells, and gates. Lesser roads typically have crossbucks. In some cases, these crossings might have road-type stop signs. The installation of signals or other protective measures is based on the specific needs of the crossing area.

Railway Intersections

When it comes to railroad intersections, most mainlines and branch lines have interlocking signals that are similar to block signals. These can be automatic, providing a clear signal to the route that has a train hit the circuit first. Alternatively, they can be manually operated by a tower operator in less frequently used areas. Some lesser-used lines crossing each other have manual swinging gates that are typically against the less frequently used route. That route must get permission from the dispatcher to open the gate.

Low-Speed Areas

In industrial parks or areas where lightly used lines cross at speeds of 20 mph or less, 'stop signs' are often used, consisting of rectangular red signs facing each direction, sometimes octagonal. In these scenarios, all trains must stop, and the train that arrives first has the right-of-way, similar to street intersection stop signs.

Conclusion: The presence and types of signals at railroad crossings vary significantly based on the region, the nature of the crossing, and the traffic volume. Understanding these differences can help ensure safer and more efficient travel and railroad access.