Rule 103.1 — Grade Crossings with Warning Devices

In the application of this rule, unless manual protection is provided, “Minimum Required Time” means that before a movement occupies the grade crossing, the automatic warning devices must be observed to be operating as follows: Grade crossings not equipped with gates: For a minimum of 20 seconds, unless a greater time is prescribed in special instructions. Grade crossing equipped with gates, when the maximum allowable operating speed is: Greater than 15 mph, the gates must be observed in the horizontal position for a minimum of 5 seconds. 15 mph or less, the gates must be observed in the horizontal position. Unless otherwise directed by special instructions, a movement over a grade crossing equipped with automatic warning devices, which; has stopped or is switching in the vicinity of the crossing; or is entering the main track in the vicinity of the crossing; or has been authorized to pass a block or interlocking signal indicating Stop which is located within 300 feet of the crossing; must not exceed 10 MPH from a distance of 300 feet from the crossing until the crossing is fully occupied by the movement. In addition, the crossing must not be occupied until the warning devices are known to have been operating for the Minimum Required Time. Applicable to item (iii): At all other crossings within the block, movements must not exceed 15 MPH entering the crossing unless the warning devices are known to have been operating for the Minimum Required Time. Unless otherwise directed by special instructions, a movement on non-main track over a grade crossing equipped with automatic warning devices, must not exceed 10 mph from a distance of 300 feet until the crossing is fully occupied. Note: Not applicable on Subdivision Track. At a grade crossing where special instructions require that: warning devices be activated by radio, pushbutton, or other appliances, or movements stop at stop signs, circuit signs, or at a specified distance; movements affected must not occupy the crossing until the warning devices have been operating for the Minimum Required Time. Pushbutton boxes must be closed and locked when not in use.

When advised by special instructions that rusty rail or other conditions may exist, occupancy of crossings with automatic warning devices must be manually protected unless it is known that warning devices have been operating for the Minimum Required Time. At crossings equipped with automatic warning devices, unless otherwise indicated in special instructions, movements must not increase speed by more than 5 MPH unless automatic warning devices are known to have been operating for the Minimum Required Time. Unless otherwise specified in special instructions, when a movement passes over any grade crossing equipped with automatic warning devices, it will be necessary, before reversing over the crossing, for a crew member to manually protect the crossing. A movement following another movement within 1500 feet may not properly activate grade crossing warning devices and therefore, must not obstruct any crossing equipped with automatic warning devices until: the warning devices are known to have been operating for the Minimum Required Time; or the crossing is manually protected.