# Presentation: 544014

## PARTS 8 and 10Grade Crossings(Hwy-Rail &Hwy-LRT)

**Notes:**
Many changes in Part 8 & Part 10 to make them consistent with each other, where  appropriate.

## 8A.01 & 10A.01 Introduction

- _Definition Revisions_:
- Advance Preemption
- Advance Preemption Time
- Clear Storage Distance
- Dynamic Envelope
- Minimum Track Clearance Distance
- Pre-signal
- Queue Clearance Time
- _Definition Deletion_:
- Monitored Interconnected Operation

- more...

**Notes:**
The FHWA revised these definitions to reflect accepted practice and terminologies.
Additionally, in response to a comment from Norfolk Southern Railroad, the FHWA removes the definition for “Monitored Interconnected Operation” because it is not used in the MUTCD.  
All the definitions in this Section are applicable to Part 10 also, is referenced in a new SUPPORT statement at the end of the Section 10A.01.

## 8A.01 & 10A.01Introduction

- _Definition Additions_
- Dynamic Exit Lane Gate Operating Mode
- Exit Gate Clearance Time
- Exit Gate Operating Mode
- Flashing-Light Signals
- Timed Exit Gate Operating Mode
- Vehicle Intrusion Detection Devices
- Wayside Equipment

**Notes:**
Also, FHWA adds definitions to provide clarity in subsequent text in Parts 8 and 10.  Some of the terms are listed below:
1. Dynamic Exit Gate Operating Mode—a mode of operation where the exit gate operation is based
on the presence of vehicles within the minimum track clearance distance.
2. Exit Gate Clearance Time—for Four-Quadrant Gate systems, the exit gate clearance time is the amount of time provided to delay the descent of the exit gate arm(s) after entrance gate arm(s) begin to descend.
3. Exit Gate Operating Mode—for Four-Quadrant Gate systems, the mode of control used to govern the operation of the exit gate arms.
4. Flashing-Light Signals—a warning device consisting of two red signal indications arranged horizontally that are activated to flash alternately when a train is approaching or present at a highway-rail grade crossing.
5. Timed Exit Gate Operating Mode—a mode of operation where the exit gate descent is based on a
predetermined time interval.
6. Vehicle Intrusion Detection Devices—a detector or detectors used as a part of a system incorporating processing logic to detect the presence of vehicles within the minimum track clearance distance and to control the operation of the exit gates.
6. Wayside Equipment—the signals, switches, and/or control devices for railroad operations housed within one or more enclosures located along the railroad right-of-way and/or on railroad property.

## 8B.02 Sizes of Grade Crossing Signs

- 	New table numbered and titled, “Table 8B-1 Sign Sizes for Grade Crossing Signs.”

**Notes:**
A new section is added, numbered and titled, “Section 8B.02  Sizes of Grade Crossing Signs.”  This new section contains a STANDARD and an OPTION statement regarding sign sizes for grade crossing signs, as well as a reference to a new table numbered and titled, “Table 8B-1 Sign Sizes for Grade Crossing Signs.”  This section and table is added to consolidate information previously contained elsewhere in the MUTCD, make the information more readily accessible to readers, and for consistency with changes made in Part 2. 

## 8B.03 Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Sign & Number of Trucks Sign 

**8B.03 Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Sign & Number of Trucks Sign **

- Revision to placement of retroreflective white material on  crossbuck post:
- 	within 0.6 m (2 ft) above the edge of roadway

- Placement of
- retroreflective tape

- more ...

- (2000 indicated “to near  ground level”)

**Notes:**
In Section 8B.03, the FHWA revises the second STANDARD statement to clarify the placement of retroreflective white material on the front and back of the supports for highway-rail grade crossing Crossbuck signs. It states that A strip of retroreflective white material, not less than 50 mm (2 in) in width, shall be used on each support at passive highway-rail grade crossings for the full length of the front and back of the support from the Crossbuck sign or Number of Tracks sign to within 0.6 m (2 ft) above the edge of the roadway, except on the side of those supports where a STOP (R1-1) or YIELD (R1-2) sign or flashing lights have been installed or on the back side of supports for Crossbuck signs installed on one-way streets. (2000 indicated “to near  ground level”)

Same changes in 10C.02.

## 8B.03 & 10C.02

- Crossbuck Shield
- (R15-9)

**DISAPPROVED & WITHDRAWN**

**Proposed “Crossbuck Shield” Sign**

**Notes:**
The FHWA withdrew an OPTION statement proposed in the NPA for the optional use of a new Crossbuck Shield sign. The FHWA believes that the proposal of the Crossbuck Shield was premature and removes all text and graphic references regarding the Crossbuck Shield sign from this final rule.  States currently using the Crossbuck Shield sign under approved experimentations may request an extension in writing from the FHWA to continue experimental use.  

## 8B.04 & 10C.15 Advance Warning Signs

- In 8B.04: Revisions to the STANDARD statements to clarify the use of the W10 Series signs on roads parallel to tracks
- In 10C.15: Replacement of the entire section with the STANDARD, OPTION, and GUIDANCE statements contained in 8B.04 (for consistency)

**Notes:**
In Section 8B.04, first STANDARD statement, item A, is revised to better define where Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Advance Warning (W10-1) signs are not required on an approach to a crossing from a T-intersection with a parallel highway. 
Additionally, the FHWA adds to the second STANDARD statement a paragraph to clarify the proper use of the W10-2, W10-3, and W10-4 advance warning signs if the distance from the parallel highway to the railroad tracks is less than 30 m (100 feet). 
In Section 10C.15  Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Advance Warning Signs (W10 Series) (numbered Section 10C.11 in the 2000 MUTCD), the FHWA revises the entire section by replacing it with the STANDARD, OPTION, and GUIDANCE statements also contained in Section 8B.04  Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Advance Warning Signs, including the revisions as described in Part 8.  The use of advance warning signs is applicable to both highway-light rail transit and highway-rail grade crossings and the FHWA believes that it is important to have consistency in the use of these signs so this information is included in both parts of the MUTCD. 
Section 8B.04, first Standard contains circumstances under which the W10-1 signdoesn’t have to be used. Item A states:
A. On an approach to a highway-rail grade crossing from a T-intersection with a parallel highway, if the distance from the edge of the track to the edge of the parallel roadway is less than 30 m (100 ft), and W10-3 signs are used on both approaches of the parallel highway;

This is the paragraph that is added to the second STANDARD statement:
If the distance between the railroad tracks and a parallel highway, from the edge of the tracks to the edge of the parallel roadway, is less than 30 m (100 ft), W10-2, W10-3, or W10-4 signs (see Figure 8B-2) shall be installed on each approach of the parallel highway to warn road users making a turn that they will encounter a highway-rail grade crossing soon after making a turn, and a W10-1 sign for the approach to the tracks shall not be required to be between the tracks and the parallel highway.

## 8B.06 & 10C.09

- New activated blank-out word message R3-1a and R3-2a signs to replace the old activated blank-out symbol R3-1a and R3-2a signs for turn restrictions during preemption

- R3-1a

- R3-2a

- Activated Blank-Out

- Activated Blank-Out

**Notes:**
In Section 8B.06  Turn Restrictions During Preemption (numbered Section 8B.05 in the NPA), in responding to comments that track depiction on the sign is unnecessary and clutters the signs, the FHWA withdraws the R3-1a and R3-2a signs (with tracks) as proposed in the NPA and reassigns these signs as word message signs “NO LEFT/RIGHT TURN ACROSS TRACKS” in this final rule.  The FHWA believes that it is important to use signs that clearly convey that turning across the tracks is prohibited, not necessarily all turns at a location. 

## 8B.10 & 8B.1110C.07 & 10C.08

- New sections:
- 8B.10 & 10C.07: STOP HERE WHEN FLASHING Sign
- 8B.11 & 10C.08: STOP HERE ON RED Sign (when pre-signals used)

- R10-6

- R8-10

- 8B.10
- 10C.07

- 8B.11
- 10C.08

**Notes:**
A new section is added, titled, “Section 8B.10  STOP HERE WHEN FLASHING Sign (R8-10)” (numbered Section 8B.09 in the NPA), which contains an OPTION statement describing the use of the STOP HERE WHEN FLASHING (R8-10) sign as it relates to highway-rail grade crossings. (10C.08)
.  The FHWA also added a new section titled, “Section 8B.11  STOP HERE ON RED Sign (R10-6)” (numbered Section 8B.10 in the NPA),  which contains SUPPORT, OPTION, and GUIDANCE statements describing the use of the STOP HERE ON RED (R10-6) sign at highway-rail grade crossings. (10C.07)

## 8B.15 NO SIGNAL Sign or NO GATES or LIGHTS Sign

- Optional NO GATES OR LIGHTS (W10-13) Sign (alternate to optional NO SIGNAL sign)

- W10-13

**Notes:**
An OPTION statement is added that the NO GATES OR LIGHTS (W10-13) sign may be used as an alternate to the NO SIGNAL (W10-10) sign. Because the use of these signs is optional, States can determine whether or not they use these signs.  

## 8B.16 LOOK (R15-8) Sign

- Revision to the OPTION statement to indicate that R15-8 may be used at any hwy-rail grade crossing, not just those without active warning devices

- R15-8

**Notes:**
In Section 8B.16  LOOK Sign (R15-8), (numbered Section 8B.15 in the NPA), the FHWA modifies the OPTION statement by removing the phrase, “that do not have active warning devices” to clarify that the LOOK (R15-8) sign may be mounted at any highway-rail grade crossing. 

## 8B.19 & 10C.19 Skewed Crossing Sign (W10-12)

- New Section—new sign for optional use
- Supplements but does not replace W10-1 circular advance warning sign

- W10-12

**Notes:**
A new section numbered and titled “Section 8B.19 (10C.19) Skewed Crossing Sign (W10-12)” (numbered Section 8B.18 in the NPA), which describes the use of the Skewed Crossing (W10-12) sign at highway-rail grade crossings when railroad tracks are not perpendicular to the highway. 
Identical to Section 10C.19

## 8B.20 Pavement Markings

- 	STANDARD statement revision: no-passing zone markings needed on 2-lane roadways on approach to crossing only “where centerline markings are used.” (Consistent with Part  3)

- Two-lane with centerline

- Two-lane with no centerline

**Notes:**
In Section 8B.20  Pavement Markings (numbered Section 8B.19 in the NPA), the FHWA revises the second paragraph of the STANDARD statement to clarify that a no-passing marking on two-lane highways is needed only in locations where centerline markings are used. This change is added for consistency with changes made in Part 3 in this final rule.

## 8C.01:  Illumination of Highway-Rail Grade Crossings

- Option statement changed to Guidance: “Illumination _should_ be installed at, and adjacent to, a highway-rail grade crossing when an engineering study determines such illumination is needed to improve grade crossing safety.”

**Notes:**
In Section 8C.01  Illumination of Highway-Rail Grade Crossings, the FHWA changed the OPTION statement to a GUIDANCE statement to indicate that illumination should be installed at, and adjacent to, a highway-rail grade crossing when an engineering study determines such illumination is needed to improve grade crossing safety. To address concerns on economic impact that this change may have, the FHWA added an OPTION statement before the GUIDANCE, stating that illumination may be installed at or adjacent to a highway-rail grade crossing.  

## 8D.01 Introduction

**8D.01 Introduction**

- Flashing-light signals may be used without gates (based on engineering study)

**Notes:**
In Section 8D.01  Introduction, the FHWA revises the first OPTION statement to clarify that flashing-light signals that are post-mounted or overhead-mounted may be used separately or in combination with each other and that flashing-light signals may be used without automatic gate assemblies as determined by an engineering study, this is added to the Option statement.  

## 8D.01 & 10D.01 Introduction 

- <date/time>

**8D.01 & 10D.01 Introduction**** **

**DISAPPROVED & WITHDRAWN**

**In-Roadway Lights for Grade Crossings**

**Notes:**
Section 8D.01, additionally, in the NPA the FHWA proposed adding to the second OPTION statement information that In-Roadway Stop Line Lights and In-Roadway Warning Lights may be installed at highway-rail grade crossings that are controlled by active grade crossing warning systems, as discussed in Chapter 4L In Roadway Lights. In concert with determinations made in Chapter 4L, the FHWA withdraws this proposal and retains the language in the 2000 MUTCD.
“lack of sufficient research supporting its use”. 

## 8D.04 Automated Gates 

- STANDARD statement revision--- exception to the normal sequence of operation of lights and gate arm when constant warning time or other advanced system requires

**Notes:**
The FHWA adds to the second paragraph of STANDARD statement that ‘unless constant warning time or other advanced system requires otherwise’.
The reason for this addition is that requiring constant warning time and other advanced systems to have gate operations exactly as described would be an unreasonable burden on jurisdictions and is not practical or necessary. Therefore, the FHWA revises the second paragraph of the STANDARD statement to provide an exception to the requirements of this paragraph when a constant warning time or other advanced system requires otherwise.

## 8D.07 Traffic Control Signals at or Near Highway-Rail Grade Crossings

- 8D.07: adds GUIDANCE, STANDARD, GUIDANCE, and OPTION statements for the application of _**pre-signals**_
- Phase-in Target Compliance Date: 10 years

**Notes:**
In Section 8D.07  Traffic Control Signals at or Near Highway-Rail Grade Crossings, The FHWA made the following changes:
Following the second paragraph of the second STANDARD statement, additional GUIDANCE, STANDARD, GUIDANCE, and OPTION statements are added to better describe the use of pre-signals to improve safety at highway-rail grade crossings at locations in proximity to intersections controlled by traffic control signals. 
 Additionally, the FHWA adds to the last OPTION statement that at locations where a highway-rail grade crossing is located more than 15m (50 ft) (or more that 23 m (75 ft) for a highway regularly used by multi-unit vehicles) from an intersection controlled by a traffic control signal, a pre-signal may be used if an engineering study determines a need. This addition may improve safety for this type of highway-rail grade crossing.
 The FHWA establishes a phase-in target compliance date of 10 years for existing installations to minimize any impact on State or local governments.

## Part 10

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

## New Sections Added to Chapter 10C SIGNS, ILLUMINATION, AND MARKINGS

- The following new sections are added to  Chapter 10C to provide consistency with Chapter 8B
- 	10C.02 Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Sign 	  		and Number of Tracks Sign
- 	10C.06 TRACKS OUT OF SERVICE Signs
- 	10C.08 STOP HERE WHEN FLASHING Sign
- 	10C.10 EXEMPT Highway-Rail Grade 			Crossing Signs

- More ...

## New Sections Added to Chapter 10C SIGNS, ILLUMINATION, AND MARKINGS

- 	10C.16 Low Ground Clearance Highway-Rail 		Grade Crossing Sign
- 	10C.18 Storage Space Signs
- 	10C.19 Skewed Crossing Sign
-     10C.21 Emergency Notification Sign
- 	10C.23 Pavement Markings
- 	10C.24 Stop Lines

## 10C. 02:  Highway-Rail Grade Crossing (Crossbuck) Sign (R15-1) and Number of Tracks Sign (R15-2)

_**Crossbuck sign**_:
- _mandatory_ for _semi-exclusive_ Light Rail Transit alignments
- _optional_ for _mixed-use_ alignments, either alone or in combination with other traffic control devices.

**Notes:**
Based on comments from the NCUTCD and members of the Railroad-Light Rail Transit Technical Committee that the use of these Crossbuck signs in mixed-use alignments where light rail transit operates in streets in urban areas is frequently impractical, the FHWA revised the Standard statement. The revised STANDARD states:
“As a minimum, one Crossbuck sign shall be used on each highway approach to every highway-light
rail transit grade crossing on a semiexclusive alignment, alone or in combination with other traffic control devices.

And the FHWA also created a new OPTION statement following the second paragraph of the first STANDARD to indicate that use of the Crossbuck sign is optional for mixed-use alignments, either alone or in combination with other traffic control devices.
Option:
A Crossbuck sign may be used on a highway approach to a highway-light rail transit grade crossing on a mixed-use alignment, alone or in combination with other traffic control devices.

## 10C.04:  STOP (R1-1) or Yield (R1-2)Signs

- Addition to the GUIDANCE on characteristics that should be present to use STOP or Yield signs at highway-light rail grade crossings: traffic volume,  light rail train speed, and the need to sound an audible signal, as well as the location of light rail tracks in relation to the line of cars waiting to cross.

- and

- Modified STANDARD: Required to use _**if**_ 2C.29 is met.

- W3-1

- W3-2

**Notes:**
The last sentence of the STANDARD statement is modified to require agencies to install Stop Ahead (W3-1) and Yield Ahead (W3-2) Advance Warning Signs when the criteria listed in Section 2C.29  Advance Traffic Control Signs, is met. (to be consistent with the 8B.08)
(in 10C.03 of 2000 edition: Stop Ahead (W3-1a) or Yield Ahead (W3-2a) Advance
Warning signs shall also be installed in accordance with Section 2C.26.
In 2003:  Stop Ahead (W3-1) or Yield Ahead (W3-2) Advance Warning signs (see Figure 2C-4) shall also be installed if the criteria for their installation given in Section 2C.29 is met. (the change is to make it consistent with 8B.08)

The FHWA also adds to the list of characteristics in the GUIDANCE statement to clarify when STOP or YIELD signs may be used at highway-light rail transit grade crossings.  The FHWA adds characteristics such as traffic volume, light rail train speed, and the need to sound an audible signal as well as the location of light rail tracks in relation to the line of cars waiting to cross. 

## 10C.05 DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS Sign (R8-8)

- Addition to the OPTION statement:

- R8-8

**DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS signs may be placed on both sides of the track**

**Notes:**
In Section 10C.05  DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS Sign (R8-8) (numbered Section 10C.04 in the 2000 MUTCD), the FHWA adds to the OPTION statement to clarify that DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS (R8-8) signs may be placed on both sides of the track, to enhance visibility of the signs for road users. 
Option:
DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS signs may be placed on both sides of the track.
On divided highways and one-way streets, a second DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS sign may be placed on the near or far left side of the highway-light rail transit at the grade crossing to further improve visibility of the sign.
This was in the 8B.06 – DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS Sign (R8-8) of 2000 MUTCD

## 10C.10 EXEMPT Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Signs

- New section similar to Section 8B.05
- Addition to the OPTION statement (this is _not_ in 8B.05) :
-     Where neither the Crossbuck nor the advance warning signs exist for a particular crossing, an EXEMPT (R15-3) sign with a white background may be placed on its own post on the near right side of the approach to the crossing.

- R15-3   Stand-alone

- W10-1a         Suppl. To W10-1

**Notes:**
The FHWA adds a new section numbered and titled “Section 10C.10  EXEMPT Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Signs (R15-3, W10-1a)” describing the use of the supplemental EXEMPT Highway-Rail Grade Crossing (R15-3, W10-1a) signs at highway-light rail transit grade crossings.  While this section is identical to Section 8B.05  EXEMPT Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Signs (R15-3, W10-1a), the use of these supplemental signs is applicable to both highway-light rail transit and highway-rail grade crossings, and the FHWA believes that it is important to have this information in both parts of the MUTCD. 
The FHWA adds to the OPTION statement that where neither the Crossbuck nor Advance Warning sign exist for a particular crossing, an EXEMPT (R15-3) sign with a white background may be placed on its own post on the near right side of the approach to the crossing. This part of OPTION statement is not in 8B.05.

## 10D.03 Automatic Gates

- SUPPORT statement changed to OPTION Statement:

- The effectiveness of gates may be enhanced by the use of channelizing devices or _raised median islands_ to discourage driving around lowered automatic gates.

**Notes:**
In Section 10D.03  Automatic Gates, the last SUPPORT statement is changed to an OPTION statement to be consistent with the same language contained in Section 8D.04  Automatic Gates, on how the effectiveness of gates may be enhanced by the use of channelizing devices or raised median islands to discourage driving around lowered automatic gates.  

## The first OPTION statement changed to GUIDANCE: 
     If an engineering study shows that flashing-light signals alone would not provide sufficient notice of an approaching light rail transit vehicle, the LOOK (R15-8) sign and/or pedestrian gates should be considered. 

-      If an engineering study shows that flashing-light signals alone would not provide sufficient notice of an approaching light rail transit vehicle, the LOOK (R15-8) sign and/or pedestrian gates _should be considered_.

- R15-8

**10D.08   Pedestrian and ****Bicycle Signals and Crossings**

**Notes:**
In Section 10D.08  Pedestrian and Bicycle Signals and Crossings, the first OPTION statement (in the 2000 MUTCD) is changed to a GUIDANCE statement to emphasize that if an engineering study shows that flashing-light signals alone would not provide sufficient notice of an approaching light rail transit vehicle, the LOOK (R15-8) sign and/or pedestrian gates should be considered. The FHWA changes the text to a GUIDANCE because if an engineering study has determined that flashing-light signals are not enough, then the additional measures should be recommended for consideration, not just permitted.