New Crossings

Like crossing closure/consolidation, opening a new public highway-rail crossing should likewise consider public safety, necessity, access, and economics. Generally, new crossings (particularly on mainline tracks) should not be permitted unless no other viable alternatives exist. Even in those instances, consideration should be given to closing one or more existing crossings. Communities, developers, and highway transportation planners need to be mindful that once a highway-rail crossing is established, drivers can develop a low tolerance for the crossing if blocked by a train for an extended period. If a new access is proposed to cross a railroad where railroad operation requires temporarily holding trains, only grade separation should be considered.