This report is intended to provide guidance to assist engineers in selection of traffic control devices or other measures at highway-rail grade crossings. It is not to be interpreted as policy of standards and is not mandatory. The goal is to provide a guidance document for users who understand general engineering and operational concepts of public highway-rail grade crossings. The document will serve as a reference to aid in decisions to install traffic control devices or otherwise improve such crossings, and also provide information on additional references. The report includes discussion of a number of existing laws, regulations and policies of the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Railroad Administration concerning highway-rail grade crossings and railroad operations, driver needs concerning sight distance, and highway and rail system operational requirements and functional classification. There is extensive description of passive and active traffic control devices, including supplemental devices used in conjunction with active controls. Traffic control devices in the 2000 edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices are listed, together with a few experimental devices. An appendix provides limited discussion on the complex topic of interconnection and pre-emption of traffic signals near highway-rail grade crossings. There is also discussion concerning closure, grade separation and consideration for installing new grade crossings. Finally, an extensive list of quantitative recommended guidance is provided.
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