Passive Warning Devices
RR Advance Warning Sign
The advance warning sign is placed to attract the driver’s attention and warn that there is a railroad crossing ahead so the driver can slow down to look and listen for a train. It's the driver's responsibility to be in control of the vehicle and stop if required. Installation of advance warning signs are the responsibility of the public agency that owns the roadway at the crossing.
Pavement Markings
Pavement markings include the white RXR symbol on the roadway, usually near the advance warning sign, to warn that a crossing is ahead. A white stop bar is painted near the crossing itself. Installation and maintenance of pavement markings are the responsibility of the public agency that owns the roadway at the crossing.
Railroad Crossbuck Sign
The “Crossbuck” is a regulatory sign required by state law at all public crossings. The driver must treat the crossbuck as a yield sign. Crossbuck installation and maintenance is the responsibility of the railroad.
Stop Sign
A stop sign may also be placed at a railroad crossing. Placement of stop signs are the responsibility of the public agency that owns the roadway at the crossing. Where a stop sign is in place at a crossing, motorists must stop every time that they approach the crossing, even when a train is not in sight.
Street lights are another type of passive device that may help improve safety at rail crossings where there is concern about motorists being able to see trains at the crossing during nighttime hours. Determining if streetlights are needed at a crossing (and the cost to install and to maintain and operate the lights) is the responsibility of the agency that owns the roadway.
INDOT does have a program that can assist with funding passive warning improvements. These funds are administered by the INDOT Railroad Section.
