Guidelines on Projects with Active Railroad Warning Devices

  1. Gates shown perpendicular to the roadway and not normally parallel to tracks (i.e., skewed crossings).
  2. Gates, cantilevers, and striping have correct distances shown. The below information is for reference only; the final design and placement of active warning devices is determined by the railroad company.
    1. 12-foot minimum, 15-foot
       typical from centerline of railroad signal mast to centerline of nearest track; on skewed crossing tip of gate must be a minimum of 12 feet from centerline of track.
    2. Minimum 4 feet 3 inches
      (5 feet 3 inches for BNSF and UPRR)
       from center of gate mast to edge of curb; or 6 feet from center of gate mast to edge of pavement when shoulder is present; or 8 feet 3 inches (9 feet 3 inches for BNSF
      and UPRR
      ) from edge of pavement if no shoulder is present.
    3. Minimum 4 feet center of gate to center of cantilever, but railroad companies prefer 6 feet.
    4. Minimum 6 feet edge of sidewalk to center of gate.
  3. Any cabin relocations or installations identified. Correct dimensions:
    1. 30 feet edge of cabin to edge of pavement or curb.
    2. 25 feet edge of cabin to near rail.
    3. Cabin location not a sight distance issue for vehicles.
    Cabin location is subject to change by the railroad company.
  4. Correct usage of backlights and side lights. Any side streets within 100 feet of rail would require side lights. Back lights required on all two-way non-divided roadways and if pedestrians use roadway.
  5. Gate lengths are sufficient (generally not longer than 28 feet). Gates may cover up to two lanes.
  6. Generally, a median is needed for multiple approach lanes. Median with flasher/gate is normally less expensive than a cantilever.
  7. One pair of flashers shown for each approach lane.
  8. Railroad company removes, provides and installs gates, cantilevers, mast flashers, and crossbucks.
  9. Front lights are not needed on both a cantilever and a gate if one is in front of the other; same applies to back lights.
  10. Note included ‘The Railroad signal circuits and final design location were not designed by the undersigned engineer’ above engineer’s seal.
  11. If warning signals are being removed, ownership of signals identified, including any salvage value.
  12. General notes describe the type of railroad circuitry (constant warning, etc.).
  13. Clearance time correct for active crossings with skew or multiple tracks.