What triggers a railroad crossing light?

The basic signal consists of flashing red lights, a crossbuck and a bell, attached to a mast. At most crossings, the signals will activate about 30 seconds before the train arrives. The gates will be fully lowered 15 to 20 seconds before the train arrives.

What do flashing lights at a railroad crossing mean?

Flashing red light signals and bell Red light signals are used with railway signs at many rail crossings. Stop when the lights begin to flash and the bells ring because a train is approaching. The driver of the vehicle nearest the crossing must stop at least 5 metres back from the nearest rail.

What is a passive crossing?

A passive crossing does not have any type of traffic control device. The decision to stop or proceed rests entirely in your hands. This type of crossing has a traffic control device installed at the crossing to regulate traffic at the crossing. A passive crossing does not have any type of traffic control device.

When there are flashing red lights but no gates at a railroad crossing do you have to wait until the lights stop flashing to proceed?

Flashing red warning lights indicate you must stop and wait. Do not proceed over the railroad tracks until the red lights stop flashing, even if the gate rises. If the gates are lowered and you do not see a train approaching, call the posted railroad emergency toll-free number or 9-1-1.

How do you know when a train is coming?

If a signal is lit up and shows all red lights, it is possible that there is a train approaching from “behind” the signal as shown in the photo above. If a signal is lit and shows a green light at the top, that means it is cleared for a train to approach from the lit/facing side, so a train may be coming.

What does a flashing yellow railroad signal mean?

Flashing yellow is usually telling the engineer to be prepared to stop at the second signal (advance approach). Is there a crossing with another track down the line? If so, the engineer is being advised that the other track may be in use.

What are the 3 types of railroad crossings?

2.0. Caltrain has three (3) types of railroad grade crossings: vehicular grade crossings, pedestrian grade crossings, and emergency grade crossings.

What is a uncontrolled railroad crossing?

Uncontrolled railroad crossings describe railroad tracks that intersect the roadway without the use of gates or lights. The most common place you’ll encounter an uncontrolled railroad crossing is in rural areas.

When approaching a railroad with flashing light you must?

Flashing red lights at a railroad crossing means you must stop. Stop at least 15 feet, but no more than 50 feet from the nearest track.