MUTCD R15-1: Grade Crossing Sign and Number of Tracks Plaque at Active and Passive Grade Crossings
The R15-1 sign is covered in Section 8B.03 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition. Below are the provisions from that section that describe when the sign is used and how it is placed.
What it means and when it is used
- Standard · Required (shall)The Grade Crossing (R15-1) sign (see Figure 8B-1 ), commonly identified as the Crossbuck sign, shall be retroreflective white with the words RAILROAD CROSSING in black lettering, mounted as shown in Figure 8B-2 .
- Standard · Required (shall)As a minimum, one Crossbuck sign shall be used on each highway approach to every highway-rail grade crossing, alone or in combination with other traffic control devices.
Placement and mounting
- Standard · Required (shall)If there are two or more tracks at a grade crossing, the number of tracks shall be indicated on a supplemental Number of Tracks (R15-2P) plaque (see Figure 8B-1 ) of inverted T shape mounted below the Crossbuck sign in the manner shown in Fi gure 8B-2 .
- Standard · Required (shall)On each approach to a highway-rail grade crossing and, if used, on each approach to a highway- LRT grade crossing, the Crossbuck sign shall be installed on the right-hand side of the highway on each approach to the grade crossing. Where restricted sight distance or unfavorable highway geometry exists on an approach to a grade crossing, or where there is a one-way multi-lane approach, an additional Crossbuck sign…
- Standard · Required (shall)A strip of retroreflective white material not less than 2 inches in width shall be used on the back of each blade of each Crossbuck sign for the length of each blade at all passive grade crossings, except those where Crossbuck signs have been installed back-to-back or where double-faced Crossbuck signs have been installed.
Where to read the rest
- Full text: MUTCD Section 8B.03: Grade Crossing Sign and Number of Tracks Plaque at Active and Passive Grade Crossings
- Mounting height, lateral offset and retroreflectivity for any sign: MUTCD sign placement guide
Related signs in Section 8B.03
Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition (Federal Highway Administration, December 2023, public domain). Excerpts are shortened and shown out of context; read the full section before specifying a sign. Your state may still be operating under the 2009 edition or a state supplement. Official manual: mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov.