# Presentation: 023031

## PART 8: Traffic Control for Highway-Rail Grade Crossings

- Millennium Edition**Summary of Changes**

## Traffic Control for Highway-Rail Grade Crossings

- Street
- Grade-Crossing

- Highway
- Highway-Rail Grade Crossing

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8A.01 Introduction

- Not in the MUTCD

- Added Definitions for 16 New Terms

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8A.01 Introduction

- Various Titles and Order of Sections

- Revised Titles and Order of Sections

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8A.02 Use of Standard Devices, Systems, and Practices

- Not in the MUTCD
- Part 8 applies to new crossing installations and locations where modernizations were made.

- Added an Option and Support on national highway-rail intersection (HRI) architecture
- Part 8 applies to _all_ highway-rail grade crossings.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## Section 8A.04, Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Elimination

- Any highway grade crossing for which there is not a demonstrated need should be closed.

- Section expanded to discuss situations where the crossing is eliminated, where some of the tracks are removed, and where the roadway is removed.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8A.05 Temporary Traffic Control Zones

- Smaller section entitled “Traffic Controls During Construction and Maintenance”
- Performance of Work Zone operations - not in the MUTCD

- Expanded section
- When a crossing exists near or in a work zone, operations _shall not_ be performed in a way that would cause vehicles to stop on the tracks with no means to escape....

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8B.02 Highway-Rail Grade Crossing (Crossbuck) Sign (R15-1,-2)

- Not in the MUTCD

- Retroreflective material shall be on back of crossbuck except when mounted back-to-back and on each support.
- 10 year compliance period.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8B.03 Highway-Rail Advance Warning Signs (W10-1, 2, 3, 4)

- Not in the MUTCD

- Advance Warning (W10-1) sign not required:
- on highways with less than 30 m (100 ft) between the crossing and a highway intersection.
- Where physical conditions prevent effective display.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8B.03 Highway-Rail Advance Warning Signs (W10-1, 2, 3, 4)

- Not in the MUTCD

- Placement distance for W10-2, W10-3, and W10-4 determined by using speed of turning maneuver.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8B.06 DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS Sign (R8-8)

- Sign should be used whenever an _engineering study_ determines potential for stopping on tracks is high.

- Sign should be used whenever _engineering judgment_ determines potential for stopping on tracks is high.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8B.07 STOP or YIELD Signs at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings

- In Section 8B-9 STOP signs limited to use at crossings after need is established by engineering study.

- STOP or YIELD signs may be used at passive crossings with 2 or more trains per day.
- Install Stop Ahead and Yield Ahead Advance Warning signs in accordance with Section 2C.26.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8B.09 Emergency Notification Sign (I-13, I-13a)

- Not in the MUTCD

- New section provides guidance that emergency notification signs should be posted at all highway-rail grade crossings.
- White message on blue background

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8B.10 TRAINS MAY EXCEED 130 km/h (80 MPH) Sign (W10-8, W10-8a)

- Not in the MUTCD

- Provides a sign for use on class 5 or higher railroad tracks where trains may exceed 130 km/h (80 mph).

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8B.11 NO TRAIN HORN Sign

- Not in the MUTCD

- Provides a sign that shall be used at the crossings which have FRA’s authorization for trains to not sound a horn.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8B.12 NO SIGNAL Sign (W10-10)

- Not in the MUTCD

- Section provides a warning sign at highway-rail grade crossings not equipped with automated signals.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8B.13 LOOK Sign

- Not in the MUTCD

- Provides a sign for use at passive crossings.  This regulatory sign directs road users to look for trains.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## The LOOK (R15-8) sign may be mounted as a supplemental plaque on the Crossbuck (R15-1) sign post

## Change in Sequence of Sections

- Pavement Markings was Section 8B-4.  Other sections were not in the 1988 MUTCD.

- New section order:
- 8B.14  Low Ground Clearance Hwy-Rail Grade Crossing Sign
- 8B.15  Storage Space Signs
- 8B.16  Pavement Markings
- 8B.17  Stop Lines
- 8B.18  Dynamic Envelope Delineation

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8B.14 Low Ground Clearance Highway-Rail Crossing Sign (W10-5)

- Not in the MUTCD

- Guidance to install Low Ground Clearance sign in advance of crossings with highway profile conditions sufficiently abrupt to create a hang-up situation for vehicles with low ground clearance.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8B.15 Storage Space Signs

- Not in the MUTCD

- Guidance to use symbol Storage Space sign (W10-11) with word message sign (W10-11a) to warn of locations with limited vehicle storage space.
- New W10-11b

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## New Signs:  W10-11, W10-11a, W10-11b

## 8B.17 Stop Lines

- Not in the MUTCD

- Section added to provide guidance on the placement of stop lines at highway-rail grade crossings.
- 2.4 m (8 ft) from the gate, if present, but no closer than 4.6 m (15 ft) from nearest rail.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8B.18 Dynamic Envelope Delineation

- Not in the MUTCD

- An option to delineate the dynamic envelope to show the train cargo overhang.
- If used, pavement markings shall conform to Part 3 and shall be a 100 mm (4 in) normal solid white line, contrasting pavement color and/or contrasting pavement texture.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8C.1 Illumination at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings

- Section 8B-5, may install illumination where an engineering analysis determines better visibility of the train is needed
- Location so as to not interfere with train crew & signal system and refer to Roadway Lighting publication

- Option given to use luminaires but no engineering study required.
- For location and type of luminaires refer to Roadway Lighting publication

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8D.01 Introduction – Flashing-Light Signals, Gates, & Traffic Control Signals

- Chapters 8C and 8D

- Chapter 8C was redesignated as 8D.  Information from Chapter 8D entitled, “Systems and Devices” was incorporated into revised Chapters 8A and 8D.
- Significantly expanded to include items that relate to all Sections of this Chapter.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8D.01 Introduction - Flashing-Light Signals, Gates, & Traffic Control Signals

- Not in the MUTCD

- New Option permits flashing-light signals and gates to be used separately or in combination with each other as determined by an engineering study.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8D.01 Introduction - Flashing-Light Signals, Gates, & Traffic Control Signals

- Lateral location of flashing-light signals and gates given as Guidance in 8C-2 and as an Option and a Standard in 8C-4.

- Specific clearances for lateral location of flashing-light signals and gates stated in Standard in 8D.01 and 8D.02.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8D.01 Introduction - Flashing-Light Signals, Gates, & Traffic Control Signals

- In Section 8C-2, Guidance is given that equipment housings (controller cabinets) should have a lateral clearance of 30 feet from the roadway and adequate clearance from the tracks.

- Guidance: Equipment housings (controller cabinets) should have a lateral clearance of at least 9 m (30 ft) from edge of highway and where railroad property and conditions allow, at least 7.6 m (25 ft) from the nearest rail.

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8D.01 Introduction - Flashing-Light Signals, Gates, & Traffic Control Signals

- Not in the MUTCD

- Guidance:  If a pedestrian route is provided, sufficient clearance from supports, posts, and gate mechanisms should be maintained for pedestrian travel.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8D.2 Flashing-Light Signals -- Post Mounted

- Flashing-light signals _should_ be placed to the right of approaching roadway traffic on all roadway approaches to a crossing.

- Flashing-light signals _shall_ be placed to the right of approaching highway traffic on all highway approaches to a crossing.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8D.2 Flashing-Light Signals -- Post Mounted

- In Section 8C-7: Maximum number of flashes per minute shall be 55.

- Maximum number of flashes per minute shall be 65.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8D.2 Flashing-Light Signals -- Post Mounted

- The requirement for storage batteries with specified maximum voltage and wattage for signal and gate operation during outages in primary power.

- Requirement for flashing-light signals to operate at a low voltage using storage batteries either as a primary or stand-by source of power.  Added a requirement to provide  a source of energy for charging batteries.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8D.04 Automatic Gates

- Not in the MUTCD

- The approach lane gate arms shall be designed to fail safe in the down position.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8D.04 Automatic Gates

- Standard: When the train clears the crossing, the gate arm shall ascend to its upright position normally in not more than 12 seconds.

- Guidance: The gate arm should ascend to its upright position in not more than 12 seconds.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8D.04 Automatic Gates

- Not in the MUTCD

- Option added to allow the installation of medians at grade crossings with automatic gates.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

## 8D.05 Four-Quadrant Gate Systems

- Not in the MUTCD

- This section was added to provide standards, guidance, and options for four quadrant gate systems.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

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

- 1988 Manual allows signals only where train speeds are very slow.
- In 1999 proposed to allow signals to be used in lieu of gates and/or flashing-light signals where train speeds are equal to or less than 32 km/h (20 mph).

- Reverted back to the Standard and Option language in the 1988 MUTCD – Traffic signals shall not be used in lieu of flashing-light signals  to control road users   at mainline crossings.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

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

- Not in the MUTCD

- Installation of a NO TURN ON RED sign required for  the approach that crosses the track when pre-signals are used near a highway intersection with a storage problem.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

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

- Not in the MUTCD

- Added clarifying language on the termination of the preemption condition when crossing gates exist.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard

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

- Not in the MUTCD

- Allows traffic signals to be mounted on the same overhead structure as flashing-light signals when in close proximity to the highway intersection.

_**1988 MUTCD**__**	**__**	**_**    **_**2000 MUTCD**_

- Yellow Text Denotes a Standard