In the US there are about 160,000 rail-road crossings at grade. Passive crossings (without train actuated warning devices) must have at least one standard cross shaped sign and a standard advance warning sign. On almost all paved roads, pavement markings are also required. Although not required, crossbucks reflectorised on both sides are usually installed. In rural areas, the far-side crossbuck can be very important. About 67% of grade crossings are on low volume roads where active warning devices are not cost effective; they account for 300 annual fatalities which mostly occur at night. The public has no tolerance for grade crossing accidents and demands improvements. There is a need for more effective low cost warning devices at these grade crossings. This paper describes tests on different types of crossbucks. They should be: (1) double sided; (2) crossbucks and posts should be reflectorised on both sides; (3) on high speed roads, roadside delineators should be added on approaches; and (4) crossbucks should be installed 0.6m lower than at present to increase headlight illuminance.
Abstract