Rule 103 — Grade Crossings

Grade crossings observed with: missing or damaged railway crossing signs; automatic warning devices not operating as intended; or visible external power off light(s) that are extinguished or flashing; must be reported by the quickest available means to the RTC, or employee responsible for the track when the RTC does not control the track.

When the RTC can prevent access to the crossing, it must be protected by the RTC using blocking or other means until all affected movements are instructed to apply Rule 103(g). Instructions must be in writing unless delivered : within two controlled blocks of the crossing; or when is no controlled block prior, within 10 miles. When the RTC cannot prevent access to the crossing, the employee responsible for the track must instruct all affected movements to apply Rule 103(g). Once protected per (i) or (ii), the RTC or the person responsible for the track must immediately notify the person responsible for repair.

When the leading piece of equipment is not equipped with a whistle and headlight, before occupying a public grade crossing:

This does not modify the application of Rule 103.1(h).

not equipped with automatic warning devices, manual protection is required. equipped with automatic warning devices, manual protection is required unless a crew member is located on the leading piece of equipment in a position to warn persons standing on, or crossing, or about to cross the track.

Where a railway track and a road share the same roadbed and there is no fence or other barrier between them, moving rail cars not headed by an engine or when headed by a remotely controlled engine must be protected by a crew member on the leading car or on the ground, in a position to warn persons standing on, or crossing, or about to cross the track. Leaving equipment:

Equipment must not be left standing within 100 feet of the travelled portion of a grade crossing, except where it is necessary to leave such equipment for loading or unloading. Where sightline restrictions exist, special instructions will govern.

Before switching or operating a remotely controlled engine over public grade crossing not equipped with automatic warning devices, where the view of the crossing by the locomotive engineer is obscured, an employee must be in a position to observe the crossing and provide signals and instructions to the locomotive engineer as necessary. When required by rule or special instruction to provide manual protection of a grade crossing:

Before occupying the crossing a crew member or other employee must be on the ground ahead of the movement, in a position to display a stop signal by hand to prevent vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic over such crossing. At night, or when such signal cannot be clearly seen, a light or fusee must be used. The movement must not enter the crossing until instructions have been received from the employee providing the manual protection. Protection per (i) and (ii) must be provided unless the crossing is known to be clear of vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic, and will remain clear until occupied.

Crew members must not give vehicular or pedestrian traffic a hand signal to proceed over a grade crossing.