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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?

Most highway-railroad grade crossings are activated by what is called a track circuit that senses the train as it approaches the crossing and then also knows when the train has moved clear of the crossing and shuts off the signals.


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

The train whistle or the red warning lights flashing is the first warning signal of an approaching train on a level crossing. At many railroad crossings, the stop arm would be blocking access to crossing the tracks.


When does an observer at a railroad crossing hear the lowest frequency of a trains whistle?

An observer at a railroad crossing hears the lowest frequency of a train's whistle when the train is approaching. As the train moves towards the observer, the sound waves are compressed, resulting in a higher perceived frequency.


What to do when approaching a railroad 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?

Active crossing. A highway-railroad grade crossing that has flashing lights with or without crossing gates is called an "active railroad crossing". This is because it is activated automatically by the approach of a train, and shut off as the train passes. In the US, there are crossings that may use flashing lights that are not activated automatically, but nearly all were retired in the US by 1990. The watchman controlled flashing light grade crossing in southern New Jersey made headlines when it was retired in 1990, as the last of its kind in the country.


What do flashing red lights at railroad crossings mean?

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What are dangers of crossing railroad tracks on dirt roads?

The dangers of crossing railroad tracks on dirt roads include:No crossing arm to block drivers from crossingNo warning lights to warn of an oncoming trainFast moving express trains in rural areasBlind curves on tracks approaching the roadBlind curves on the dirt road when approaching the tracksDifficulty hearing an approaching train if your vehicle's windows are rolled upDifficulty going over unpaved road across bumpy tracksPossible low maintenance of the track bedDrivers wanting to beat the train's crossingA conductor's inability to stop a train weighing many tons to avoid striking a vehicle on the tracks


What does railroad crossing mean?

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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.