# Presentation: 104345

## Part 10
Highway-Light Rail
Transit Grade Crossings

**Highway-Light Rail**
**Transit Grade Crossings**

- Millennium Edition**Summary of Changes**

## New Part

**Part 10 discusses Traffic Controls for Highway-Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings.**

**Notes:**
The FHWA has added a new part to the MUTCD entitled, “Part 10 -- Traffic Controls for Highway-Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings.”

Part 10 provides standards and guidance for the design, installation, and operation of traffic control devices at grade crossings of highway traffic and light rail transit vehicles to facilitate the safe, orderly, and integrated movement of all traffic.

Please note that this is an entirely new section to the manual.  There was no Part 10 in the 1988 MUTCD.

##   10A.01 Introduction   

- Not in the MUTCD

- Added Support statement on using educational  campaigns when introducing light rail transit operations and new traffic control devices.

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Not in the MUTCD
Final Rule: Added new paragraph, “Support: An initial educational campaign along with an ongoing program to continue to educate new drivers is beneficial when introducing light rail operations to an area and, hence, new traffic control devices.”

##    10A.01 Introduction     

- Not in the MUTCD

- Added a Standard that when light rail transit and railroads use the same or adjacent tracks Part 8 of the MUTCD shall govern.

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Not in the MUTCD 
Final Rule: Added a new paragraph that reads, 

“Standard: Where light rail transit and railroads use the same tracks or adjacent tracks, the traffic control devices, systems, and practices for highway-rail grade crossings described in Part 8 shall be used.”

##    10A.01 Introduction    

**Not in the MUTCD**

- Compliance date for gates, flashing-light signals and blank-out signs is 5 years after effective date of this final rule.

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Not in the MUTCD
Final Rule: The compliance date for automatic gates, flashing-light signals and blank-out signs is 5 years after the effective date of this final rule. This 5 years phase – in period is given in order to not cause undue an economic burden on the affected jurisdictions.

##  10A.05 Temporary Traffic Control Zones

**Not in the MUTCD**

- Changed language on lane restrictions,  flagging, or other operations near light rail transit crossings to require they be performed in a manner that would not cause vehicles to stop on tracks with no means of escape.

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Not in the MUTCD 
Final Rule: Changed the language from Guidance to Standard to read,

“Standard:  When a highway-rail grade crossing exists either within or in the vicinity of a temporary traffic control zone, lane restrictions, flagging, or other operations shall not be performed in a manner that would cause vehicles to stop on the railroad tracks, unless a law enforcement officer or flagger is provided at the highway – rail grade crossing to minimize the possibility of vehicles stopping on the tracks, even if automatic warning devices are in place.”

## 10B.01 Introduction

- Current suggested traffic control devices.

*Special *traffic control devices, such as yield and warning signs, added for Highway-Light Rail Transit crossings.

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
In Section 10B.01, paragraph 4, 

The text now reads, 

“Standard:  Highway–light rail transit grade crossing in semi-exclusive alignments shall be equipped with a combination of traffic gates and flashing-light signals, or flashing-light signals only, or traffic control signals, unless an engineering study indicates that the use of STOP, YIELD, or advance warning signs alone would be adequate.” 

Reason: Standard language to allow other traffic control devices eligible for installation at Highway-Light Rail Transit crossings.  These other devices in the MUTCD will provide options and flexibility to local decision makers concerned with safety and traffic control at these specific light-rail transit grade crossings.  Revision 2 of the 1988 MUTCD was made to take into account that Section 1077 of ISTEA gave States and local governments discretionary authority to install STOP or YIELD signs at any highway-rail grade crossings with 2 or more trains but without automatic traffic control devices.

##   Chapter 10 C  Signs,            Illumination, and Markings

**Not in the MUTCD**

- Arranged the order of sections to discuss Signs then Illumination then Markings.

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Not in the MUTCD
Final Rule: In Chapter 10C Signs, Illumination and Markings sections has been arranged to follow other parts of the Manual (regulatory, warning, information, illumination and pavement markings). Within the regulatory category, the FHWA reordered the sections as: at the crossing, near the crossing, and then signs for mixed-use alignment operation. 

The new order is:
10C.01 Introduction
10C.02 Look Sign
10C.03 STOP or YIELD Sign
10C.04 Do NOT STOP ON TRACKS Sign
10C.05 STOP HERE ON RED Sign
10C.06 Light Rail Transit-Activated Blank-Out Turn Prohibition Signs
10C.07 Divided Highway With Light Rail Transit Crossing Sign
10C.08 No Vehicles On Tracks Sign
10C.09 Light Rail Transit Only Lane Signs
10C.10 Do Not Pass Light Rail Transit Sign
10C.11 Highway-Rail Advance Warning Signs
10C.12 Light Rail Transit Approaching-Activated Blank-Out Warning Sign
10C.13 Light Rail Station Sign
10C.14 Illumination at Highway-Light Rail Transit Crossings
10C.15 Dynamic Envelope Delineation Markings.

## 10C.01 Introduction 

- Not  in the MUTCD

- Sign design and size shall conform to Chapter 2A.

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Not in the MUTCD 
Final Rule: In Section 10C.01 the signs conform to Chapter 2A as stated in the Standard for light rail transit, sign sizes and placement similar to standard highway signs are required because of the similarity of motor vehicle drivers needs.

##        10C.02 Look Sign (R15-8)

- Removed the Light Rail Transit Advance Warning Sign (W10-6) and replaced with LOOK Sign (R15-8) to supplement the Crossbuck (R15-1).
- The standard W10-1 Grade Crossing Advance Warning Signs will also be used at light  rail transit crossings.

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

- Not  in the MUTCD

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Not in the MUTCD.

Final Rule: “Section 10C.02 LOOK Sign (R15-8)
Option:  A LOOK (for light rail transit vehicles) (R15-8) sign may be mounted at highway-light rail grade crossings.  
The LOOK sign may be mounted as a supplemental panel on the Crossbuck (R15-1) sign post, or as a separate sign in the immediate vicinity of the highway-light rail grade crossing on the light-rail transit right-of-way.”

In response to docket comments, the FHWA is removing the section referenced in the 1999 NPA as 10C.2 Light Rail Transit Warning Signs (W10-6, W10-6a) and replacing it with Section 10C.11 Highway–Rail Advance Warning Signs (W10-1, W10-2, W10-3, W10-4). The W10-1 sign is already a universally accepted advance warning sign standard at all highway–rail grade crossings and is currently required in Part 8 of the MUTCD. This will remove the potential for confusion and the potential of not achieving the appropriate degree of caution. The compliance date removal of existing W10-6 series sign is 5 years after the effective date of this final rule. This 5- year phase-in period for removal of existing W-10-6 series signs
 is given in order to not cause an undue economic burden on the affected jurisdictions.

Reason:  Option to use the LOOK sign (R15-8) as a supplemental panel to the Crossbuck at light rail transit grade crossings. The LOOK sign is currently an Option allowed in Part 8, Traffic Control for Highway-Rail Grade Crossings; therefore, to be consistent 

## 10C.03 STOP or YIELD Signs

- Not in the MUTCD

- Use limited to crossings where engineering study determines it is needed and feasible.
- When used, placement shall conform to Sections 2B.06, 2B.10 and 2C.26._ _

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Not in the MUTCD
Final Rule:
“Section 10C.03 STOP OR YIELD Signs (R1-1, R1-2, W3-1a, W3-2a)
STANDARD: For all highway-light rail transit crossings where STOP (R1-1) or YIELD (R1-2) signs are installed, the placement shall conform to the requirements of Section 2B.06 and 2B.10.  Stop Ahead (W3-1a) or Yield Ahead (W3-2a) Advance Warning signs shall also be installed in accordance with Section 2C.26.

Guidance: The use of STOP or YIELD signs for road users at highway-light rail transit grade crossings should be limited to those crossing where the need and feasibility is established by an engineering study. Such crossings should have all of the following characteristics:
A: The crossing roadways should be secondary in character (such as a minor street with one lane in each direction, an alley or a driveway) with low traffic volumes and low speed limits. 
B. The road user has sufficient sight distance at the stop line to permit the vehicle to cross the tracks before the arrival of the light rail transit vehicle. 
C. If at an intersection of two roadways, the intersection does not meet the warrants for a traffic control signal as specified in Chapter 4C.

If a STOP or YIELD sign is installed beyond the light rail transit crossing such that vehicle queues are likely to extend into the path of the light rail transit, a DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS sign (R8-8) should be posted in accordance with Section 10C.04.

Option: When a STOP or YIELD sign is installed at a highway-light rail transit grade crossing, it may be installed on the Crossbuck post or on a separate post at the point where the vehicle is to stop, or as near thereto as practical.”

## 10C.06 Light Rail Transit-Activated Blank-Out Turn Prohibition Sign

- Not in the MUTCD

- Should be used at STOP sign-controlled or signalized intersections with permissive turn movements adjacent to light rail transit crossings.

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Not in the MUTCD 

Final Rule: The text for this section reads as follows:

“Section 10C.06 Light Rail Transit-Activated Blank-Out Turn Prohibition Signs (R3-1a, R3-2a)

Support: Light rail transit operations can include the use of activated blank-out sign technology for turn prohibition signs (R3-1a, R3-2a).  The signs are typically used on roads paralleling a semi-exclusive or mixed–use light rail transit alignment where road users might turn across the light rail transit tracks. A blank-out sign displays its message only when activated.  When not activated, the sign face is blank.

Guidance:  A light rail transit-activated blank-out turn prohibition sign should be used where an intersection adjacent to a highway-light rail transit crossing is controlled by STOP signs, or is controlled by traffic control signals with permissive turn movements for road users crossing the tracks.

Option:  A light rail transit-activated blank-out turn prohibition sign may be used for turning movements that cross the tracks.

As an alternative to light rail transit-activated blank-out turn prohibition signs at intersections with traffic control signals, exclusive traffic control signal phases such that all movements that cross the tracks have a red indication may be used in combination with NO TURN ON RED (R10-11a) signs.”  

## 10C.07 Divided Highway With Light Rail Transit Crossing Signs

- Not in the MUTCD

- Added a Divided Highway with Light Rail Transit crossing regulatory sign
- 	(R15-7, R15-7a).

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Not in the MUTCD.

Final Rule:  In Section 10C.07, a Divided Highway With Light Rail Transit Crossing regulatory sign.  This sign is optional as a supplemental sign on the approach legs of roadways that intersect with a divided highway where light rail transit cars operate in the median. The sign may be placed beneath a STOP sign or mounted separately. 

## 10C.08 No Vehicles On Tracks

- Not in the MUTCD

- Added a No Vehicles On Tracks regulatory sign (R15-6, R15-6a)

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Not in the MUTCD.

Final Rule: In Section 10C.08, a new No Vehicle On Tracks regulatory sign. This sign would be optional for use in situations where the decision has been made to deter vehicles from driving on the trackway.  The sign may be used where there are adjacent traffic lanes separated from the light rail transit lane by a curb or pavement markings.

Where a road user could wrongly enter a light rail transit only street, the DO NOT ENTER (R5-1) sign should be used instead of the No Vehicle On Tracks sign.

Note to Volpe:  Add the picture of the symbol sign to this slide (R15-6).

## 10C.09 Light Rail Transit Only Lane Signs

- Not in the MUTCD

- Added Light Rail Transit Only Lane Regulatory Signs (R15-4a, 4b, 4c).
_** **_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Not in the MUTCD.

Final Rule: In Section 10C.09, added new Light Rail Transit Only Lane regulatory signs.  These signs are optional for use on a roadway lane limited to light rail transit use only.  It is used to indicate restricted use of a lane in semi-exclusive and mixed alignments.  The purpose of the sign is primarily for multi-lane operations, where roadway users might need additional guidance on lane use and/or restrictions.

Note to Volpe:  Fix the picture of this sign – the sizing of the sign was messed up.

## 10C.10 Do Not Pass Light Rail Transit Sign

- Not in the MUTCD

- Added an optional Do Not Pass Light Rail Transit (R15-5, R15-5a) regulatory sign.

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Not in the MUTCD.

Final Rule: In Section 10C.10, a Do Not Pass Light Rail Transit (R15-5, R15-5a) regulatory sign. This sign is optional for installation in mixed-use alignments.

The purpose of the sign is to indicate that vehicles are not allowed to pass light rail transit vehicles that are loading or unloading passengers where there is no raised platform or physical separation from the lanes upon which other motor vehicles are operating. 

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

Note to Volpe: Please move the placement of this sign so it does not cover the text.

## 10C.11 Highway-Rail Advance Warning Signs

- Standard Railroad Advance Warning Signs in Section 8B-3.

- Added Highway-Rail Advance Warning  Signs (W10-1, W10-2, W10-3, W10-4) to Part 10 because it is universally accepted advance crossing sign and required in Part 8.

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Standard Railroad Advance Warning Signs (W10-1,2,3,4,) required for used on roadways in advance of grade crossings as stated in Section 8B-3.

Final Rule: Added Section 10C.11 Highway-Rail Advance Warning signs(W10-1, W10-2, W10-3, W10-4) to replace the section proposed in the 1999 NPA as Section 10C.2 Light Rail Transit Warning Signs (W10-6, W10-6a) and replacing it with Section 10C.11 Highway-Rail Advance Warning Signs (W10-1, W10-2, W10-3, W10-4). The W10-1 sign is already a universally accepted advance warning sign standard at all highway-rail grade crossings and is currently required in Part 8 of the MUTCD. This will remove the potential for confusion and the potential of not achieving the appropriate degree of caution. The compliance date for removal of existing W10-6 series signs is 5 years after the effective date of this final rule. This 5-year phase-in period for removal of existing W10-6 series signs is given in order to not cause an undue economic burden on the affected jurisdictions. 

Note to Volpe: Remove the box around the Final Rule on the slide.

## 10C.12 Light Rail Transit Approaching-Activated Blank-Out Warning Sign 

- Not in the MUTCD

- Added a Light Rail Transit Approaching-Activated Blank-Out Warning Sign
- 	(W10-7).

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Not in the MUTCD.

Final Rule:  In Section 10C.12, the FHWA added a Light Rail Transit Approaching-Activated Blank-Out warning sign.  This sign is optional at signalized intersections near grade crossings or at crossings controlled by STOP signs or automatic gates.  The sign is intended to supplement the traffic control signal to warn road users turning across the tracks that a light rail transit vehicle is approaching.

Note to Volpe: Please move down the title of this slide so the three lines are showing.  This program kept closing whenever I tried to reposition text or figure boxes.

## 10C.13 Light Rail Station Sign

- Not in the MUTCD

- The FHWA added a Light Rail Station information sign (I-12).

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Not in the MUTCD.

Final Rule:

In Section 10C.13, the FHWA added a Light Rail Station information sign.  The use of this sign would be optional to direct road users to a light rail station or boarding location.  The sign may be supplemented by the name of the transit system and by arrows as provided in Section 2D.08.

## 10C.15 Dynamic Envelope Delineation

- Not in the MUTCD

- Changed from Guidance in the 1999 NPA to an Option in the Final Rule so the decision on whether and how to delineate the dynamic envelope can be made based on local conditions.
- Figures included to show typical markings.

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Not in the MUTCD.

Final Rule: 

Several comments were received that suggested the delineation of the dynamic envelope be an Option instead of Guidance since these markings are new. The FHWA encourage jurisdictions who use these markings to keep us informed on how they are working. If the marking is used it shall be a 100 mm (4 inch) normal solid white line.

## 10D.01 Introduction

- Not in the MUTCD

- Maximum light rail transit operating speeds changed to
- 	105 km/h (65 mph).
- Audible devices at crossings still an Option.

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Not in the MUTCD.

Final Rule:

In Section 10D.01, Introduction, one commenter stated that, based on experience with light rail transit operating speeds, the speeds mentioned in paragraph 6 (referenced in the 1999 NPA as paragraph 2) need to be changed from a maximum speed of 55 mph to a maximum speed of 65 mph. The FHWA agrees and is making this change to the text.

Several commenters suggested the text on audible devices, be changed from Option to Guidance in order to provide adequate warning for the visually impaired community and to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The FHWA disagrees because the ADA requirements do not require audible devices at every grade crossing. The FHWA believes that changing paragraph 5 Guidance could mean significant financial burden to State and local governments. In addition, the FHWA believes that the jurisdictions that need these devices will conduct the appropriate engineering studies and install these devices. FHWA will investigate this issue further. 

## 10D.02 Four Quadrant Gate Systems 

- Not in the MUTCD

- This new section is added to mirror the wording in Part 8 (Traffic Control for Highway-Rail Grade Crossings) to govern four quadrant gate systems, if used.

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Not in the MUTCD.

Final Rule: Four quadrant gate systems are optional. However, if used, the requirements in Section 10D.02 shall be followed if they are to be used at light rail transit grade crossings. This decision is based on the inclusion of a section on four quadrant gates in Part 8 and the current use of four quadrant gates at highway-light rail transit grade crossings.

## 10D.03 Automatic Gates

_**1988 **_In Section 8C-4 for highway-rail grade crossings

- Guidance and Options in the 1999 NPA will remain the same.

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD:  This section exists in part in Section 8C-4 for highway-rail grade crossings.

Final Rule: 

Guidance on use of automatic gates at speeds greater than 60 km/h (35mph) will not be changed to a Standard as requested by several docket comments. 

The Option on the installation of automatic gates and flashing-light signals at a highway-light rail transit grade crossing when the crossing is not at an intersection and when light rail transit speeds are greater than 40km/h (25mph) will not be changed to a Standard. 

The reasons both of these are not being changed is these would be so significant as to require public notice before changing. Also, a USDOT report of the Highway/Rail Grade Crossing Technical Working Group may result in proposed changes to this section at a later date.

## 10D.04 Flashing-Light Signals

- Not in the MUTCD

- Added to properly categorize some of the wording in the Automatic Gates section and to cover the aspects of flashing-light signals that are unique to light rail transit.

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Not in the MUTCD.

Final Rule: Added a section 10D.04, Flashing-Light Signals, to properly categorize some of the wording in the Automatic Gates section and to cover the aspects of flashing-light signals that are unique to light rail transit.

## 10D.06 Traffic Signal Preemption Turning Restrictions 

- Not in the MUTCD

- Text on signal phases for exclusive turn lanes parallel to tracks changed from Option in 1999 NPA to Standard in Final Rule. This now requires a protected only turn phase be provided and a red indication to be displayed to prohibit vehicles from turning onto the tracks when trains are approaching or occupying the crossing.
- A 5-year phase-in period is given.

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Not in the MUTCD.

Final Rule: Text on signal phases for exclusive turn lanes parallel to tracks changed from Option in the 1999 NPA to Standard in the Final Rule. This now requires a protected only turn phase be provided and a red indication to be displayed to prohibit vehicles from turning onto the tracks when trains are approaching or occupying the crossing.   A 5-year phase-in period is given.

## 10D.07 Use of Traffic Control Signals for Control of Light Rail Transit Vehicles at Grade Crossings

- Not in the MUTCD

- Added a section to allow standard traffic signals to be used to control light rail transit vehicles.

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD:  Not in the MUTCD.

Final Rule:

The FHWA added text to allow standard traffic control signal indications (typical red, yellow, green - ball and/or arrow) to be used to control Light Rail Transit movements.

If a separate traffic control signal indication is used to control light rail transit movements, the indications shall be positioned so they are not visible to drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists (see Section 4D.17). 

Based on comments received to the docket, the Guidance in the 1999 NPA recommending an 8 foot separation has been reduced to a minimum of 1m (3ft), because some separation is desirable so motorists aren’t confused.

## 10D.07 Use of Traffic Control Signals for Control of Light Rail Transit Vehicles at Grade Crossings

- Not in the MUTCD

- To emphasize the importance of positioning green-yellow-red signals, text was changed from Guidance in 1999 NPA to Standard in Final Rule.

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD:  Not in the MUTCD.

Final Rule:

The FHWA added text to allow standard traffic control signal indications (typical red, yellow, green - ball and/or arrow) to be used to control Light Rail Transit movements.

If a separate traffic control signal indication is used to control light rail transit movements, the indications shall be positioned so they are not visible to drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists (see Section 4D.17). 

Based on comments received to the docket, the Guidance in the 1999 NPA recommending an 8 foot separation has been reduced to a minimum of 1m (3ft), because some separation is desirable so motorists aren’t confused.

## 10D.07 Use of Traffic Control Signals for Control of Light Rail Transit Vehicles at Grade Crossings

- Not in the MUTCD

- Light Rail Transit signals should be separated from traffic signals by at least 1m (3 ft).

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD:  Not in the MUTCD.

Final Rule:

The FHWA added text to allow standard traffic control signal indications (typical red, yellow, green - ball and/or arrow) to be used to control Light Rail Transit movements.

If a separate traffic control signal indication is used to control light rail transit movements, the indications shall be positioned so they are not visible to drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists (see Section 4D.17). 

Based on comments received to the docket, the Guidance in the 1999 NPA recommending an 8 foot separation has been reduced to a minimum of 1m (3ft), because some separation is desirable so motorists aren’t confused.

## 10D.08 Pedestrian and Bicyclist Signals and Crossings

- Not in the MUTCD

- Changed from “Non-Motorist” in 1999 NPA to “Pedestrian and Bicyclist.”
- Changed text on the use of flashing-light signals from Option in the 1999 NPA to Guidance in the Final Rule.

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

**Notes:**
1988 MUTCD: Not in the MUTCD.

Final Rule: 
Based on docket comments the term “non-motorist” was changed to “pedestrian and bicyclist” to be more descriptive.
Changed text to recommend flashing-light signals instead of gates where sight instead of gates where sight distance is insufficient or where light rail speeds are greater than 60 km/h (35mph). Gates are an Option if flashing-light signals are not sufficient.