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There is no limit. However, where the system is designed to activate the railroad crossing is determined by design engineers and within the limits of the regulations covering this. In the US, an active railroad crossing (gates and/or crossing lights, and rarely, just a bell) is required to be activated 20 seconds prior to the train's arrival. Crossing gates are required to be horizontal prior to the trains arrival as well. In addition, very wide crossings may require "clearance time" before the train arrives, and trains that have full closure (often being "four quad crossings") may require additional time as well. If the grade crossing is interfaced with highway traffic signals, even more time is needed.

After all the time needed is added, which can range from slightly over 20 seconds to as much as 2 minutes for when the train needs to begin the process, the highest train speed is then determined. The distance this must begin is simply the speed of the train multipled by the time required.

A 10mph train and 25 seconds activation = 10mph converted to feet per second, which is 15, times 25 = 375 feet.

A 110 mph train (the fastest in the US) and 1 minute activation = 161x60 = 9,660 feet.

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Q: How far away can a railroad crossing be activated by an approaching train?
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Does a railroad crossing with flashing lights know how fast the train is going?

No. It's a positional device. When the train is a certain number of feet from the crossing it is activated.


How does a railroad crossing know when to activate?

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What is the first warning signal of an approaching train on a level crossing?

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If you are approaching a railroad crossing and a train is coming how many feet away from the tracks should you stop?

15


Would you enter a railroad crossing if the flashing lights are activated?

Not unless you want to be Killed or Injured for life. A lot of people have tried to beat the train to the crossing and it was the last thing they Ever did. Train Versus Human = Train 1 - Human Nothing but blood and guts. * Added - In all US states, the flashing lights activated means stop prior to entering the crossing. If there are no crossing gates, most US states allow you to proceed after stopping and checking to be sure no train is approaching. If there are crossing gates as well, it is not legal to drive aroound the gates or through the crossing while the gates are going up or down in any state in the US.


What is a railroad crossing controlled by flashing lights and or crossing gates?

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What do flashing red lights at railroad crossings mean?

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What are dangers of crossing railroad tracks on dirt roads?

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How do you make asentence with rapidly?

As we were walking along the railroad tracks, we noticed the train approaching rapidly.