• Prior to installation of a traffic channelization device, an engineering analysis of roadway usage should be conducted to ensure that the installation does not result in unsafe conditions. [1]
• The median barriers or channelization devices must extend 100 feet from the crossing gate arm, or if an intersection is within 100 feet of the crossing, the channelization device must extend 60 feet to qualify as an SSM.  [3]
• The Final Rule on the Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings permits the use of channelization devices within quiet zones with less than 60 feet clearance to be applied as an alternative safety measure (ASM). [3]
• The gap between the lowered gate and the curb or channelization device must be one foot or less, measured horizontally across the road from the end of the lowered gate to the curb or channelization device or to a point over the curb edge or channelization device. [3]
• Wide raised medians, although more costly, provide the most aesthetically pleasing option since they provide an area to include landscaping. [2]
• If the crossing is on a route that is used by emergency vehicles or heavy trucks, it may be necessary to accommodate a U-turn for these vehicles. [1]
• Barrier wall systems must be equipped with an energy absorbing end treatment. [2]
• Non-traversable curb islands should be used on roadways with posted speed limits of 40 MPH or below. [2]
• Channelization of road users should be accomplished using pavement markings, signing, and crashworthy, detectable channelizing devices. [5]
• If used to channelize vehicular traffic at night, longitudinal channelizing devices should be supplemented with retroreflective material or delineation for improved nighttime visibility. [5]
• Ensure that the traffic channelization device does not interfere with rail operations or track maintenance activities.

• Traffic channelization devices provide a visual and physical barrier to deter motorists from entering the opposing traffic lane to circumvent the gate arms.  [1]
• When meeting certain requirements, traffic channelization devices and median barriers are an approved supplemental safety measure for the establishment of quiet zones. [1]
• Traffic channelization is a low-cost improvement. [1]
• Permanent traffic channelization devices such as barrier wall systems and wide raised medians are effective and durable. [1]
• When used on the roadway, traffic channelization devices are often used as a means of traffic calming.  Traffic calming devices aim to reduce vehicular speeds and promote safe conditions for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. [1]

• There may be maintenance concerns with flexible vertical panels and bollards, and overall weathering of the retroreflective material.
• “Break-away” channelization devices must be frequently monitored to replace broken elements. [3]
• Permanent traffic channelization devices such as barrier wall systems and wide raised medians require a lot of space on the roadway and may introduce crossing sight distance issues. [1]
• Additions such as trees, flowers, and other vegetation higher than three feet above the roadway can restrict drivers’ views of approaching trains. [4]
• Access limitations created by channelization can cause property owner complaints, particularly for businesses. [4]

[1] Horton, S. (2012). Use of Traffic Channelization Devices at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings. U.S. Department of Transportation.

Abstract: Traffic channelization devices have found new applications at highway-rail grade crossings with active warning devices.  Numerous studies conducted at locations where they have been installed and show positive changes in unsafe driver behavior as a result of the treatments.  When meeting certain requirements, traffic channelization devices and median barriers are an approved supplemental safety measure for the establishment of quiet zones.  Traffic channelization devices are low cost and make them an attractive option for improving safety at highway-rail grade crossings.

[2] U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration. (2008). Guidance on the use of Traffic Channelizing Devices at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings.

Excerpt: Several types of traffic channelizing devices are finding new application at highway-rail grade crossings that are equipped with flashing light signals and crossing gates. These channelizing devices, when used appropriately, can reduce the risk of a collision between a vehicle and a train by 75%! This high level of risk reduction makes traffic channelizing devices a good choice to enhance safety and greatly reduce gate violations at highway-rail grade crossings.

[3] U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration. (2006). Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings; Final Rule.

Description: The Final Rule on the Use of the Locomotive Horns at Highway Rail Grade Crossings (Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 Parts 222 and 229) permits the use of traffic channelization devices or non-traversable curbs that meet specific requirements as supplemental safety measures (SSM).

[4] U.S. Department of Transportation. (2019). Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Handbook – Third Edition.

Abstract: The purpose of the Highway-Rail Crossing Handbook, 3rd Edition is an information resource developed to provide a unified reference document on prevalent and best practices as well as adopted standards relative to highway-rail grade crossings. The handbook provides general information on highway-rail crossings; characteristics of the crossing environment and users; and physical and operational changes that can be made at crossings to enhance the safety and operation of both highway and rail traffic over such intersections. The guidelines identified and potential alternative improvements presented in this handbook reflect current best practices nationwide.

[5] Federal Highway Administration. (2012). Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

Excerpt: The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), by setting minimum standards and providing guidance, ensures uniformity of traffic control devices across the nation. The use of uniform TCDs (messages, locations, sizes, shapes, and colors) helps reduce crashes and congestion, and improves the efficiency of the surface transportation system. Uniformity also helps reduce the cost of TCDs through standardization. The information contained in the MUTCD is the result of years of practical experience, research, and/or the MUTCD experimentation process. This effort ensures that TCDs are visible, recognizable, understandable, and necessary. The MUTCD is a dynamic document that changes with time to address contemporary safety and operational issues.

Additional Resources

Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ publication A Policy on Geometric Design of Highway and Streets, 7^th Edition. (2018)

Excerpt: A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, 7th Edition, 2018, commonly referred to as the Green Book, contains the current design research and practices for highway and street geometric design.

State of North Carolina Department of Transportation, “Guidelines for Median Separation at Highway/Railway At-Grade Crossings,” Raleigh, NC:  NCDOT, February 2008.

Excerpt: The intent of this guide is to establish the desirable conditions for the uniform and consistent layout and construction of median separations where it has been determined that a median separation is appropriate. This guide/design tool should be utilized with sound engineering judgment, sound design, and attention to costs.

Southern California Regional Rail Authority, “SCRRA Highway-Rail Grade Crossings Recommended Design Practices and Standards Manual”, January 2021.

Excerpt: This Manual was developed in 2009 and issued as a Recommended Design Practices and Standards Manual.

Barrier gates