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I would also suggest checking with one of the local officers (cops) for the status, because likely as not, if you're going to get a ticket, they'll be the ones to give it to you.
There is the rub. You say there are no "Cross Bucks" where the road crosses the tracks, and that there is chain link fencing across the tracks on either side of the roadway.Originally Posted by Windwalker
You're ALL failing to address one issue.Quote:
There is no safety equipment (crossing arms, lights, audible waring) anywhere in the vicinity of the crossing and there is a chain link fence across the tracks approximately 20 yards on either side of the road.
If that chain-link fence has gates across the tracks, it can still be used. If that fence has no gates across the tracks, the tracks can not be used by a train without taking the fence down or plowing through it. I have also seen a few places where the tracks are still across the road, but go 100 feet to either side of the road, and the tracks and ties have been taken up and only the bare road bed is left. That would mean that the tracks will not be in use, they have been abandoned.There is no safety equipment (crossing arms, lights, audible waring) anywhere in the vicinity of the crossing and there is a chain link fence across the tracks approximately 20 yards on either side of the road.
I would also suggest checking with one of the local officers (cops) for the status, because likely as not, if you're going to get a ticket, they'll be the ones to give it to you.
If it is an active railroad crossing, the railroad that uses it must have the minimum warning signs, of "Cross Bucks" at the tracks, on both sides, as well as warnings 250 feet before the crossings themselves. Those are usually the round signs, yellow background, with either the words "Railroad Crossing Ahead", or the simple "cross bucks", in black paint, on the signs.
Windy is right...talk with the "Locals". If it is indeed an active crossing, then the railroad needs to mark it as such.
As far as "Active" crossings go....stop as you described, proceed with caution...NEVER stop with any portion of your unit within 15 feet of either side of the track. IF a light changes while you are in the process of crossing the tracks, from green to red(you are supposed to already have you emergency flashers running), you need to immediately begin sounding your air horn, three long and loud blasts, repeated until you clear the crossing AND the road intersection. You start honking that air horn as soon as you see the amber light. If you must do so for safety, turn right and alter your route. The big thing is getting that air horn blowing as soon as you see a light flip from green to amber, before it goes red. You will scare the crap out of people...but better that than other "consequences".
Crossing railroad tracks is a dangerous operation, with HazMat, especially in high volume traffic. I usually try and route myself around street level crossings, to use over passes or under passes. But sometimes you just can not.