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Most extreme/bizarre railroad crossings

Started by index, June 23, 2023, 02:52:35 AM

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TheCatalyst31

Quote from: dantheman on June 23, 2023, 07:16:02 PMThe crossing at the University Ave/Campus Drive split in Madison, WI is pretty bad. The angle might not be as badly oblique as some of the others on this thread, but the number of lanes and the adjacent intersection make it interesting. https://goo.gl/maps/21mq3N2onFVgu4S7A

This is especially bad for bicyclists, because there is a small downhill in the eastbound direction on the University Ave approach to the intersection. I once watched someone go over the handlebars here at about 20 mph. He walked away (the front wheel was bent up pretty badly) but I always wondered if he needed any dental work afterwards.

Madison has a few others... while it was removed years ago, the siding for coal deliveries to the old UW heating/power plant used to result in trains blocking Charter Street for a solid 15 minutes as they approached from the east, stopped, and backed into the coal plant. On the other side of town, the tracks run diagonally through the Blair/Wilson/John Nolen/Williamson intersection. https://goo.gl/maps/8ufEPrPQjyitE3S89

The John Nolen/Olin intersection also has tracks running through it diagonally, though at least one leg of that intersection is just the entrance to a park. Bonus danger points for not having a gate on the bike path, though.

Northeast of Madison, there are two grade crossings on a four-lane, 65 MPH section of US 151. They're definitely active crossings too; here's a video of the Beaver Dam crossing in action.


CovalenceSTU

There's also this crossing on the freeway segment of WA-432, which had regular train traffic until a few years back.

index

I recently found this in North Walpole, NH - a crossing on a two-way road where only one side has a gate - and was wondering if there were any more examples. This isn't particularly crazy but I don't want to start a thread for something so specific.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZKWaCZZqsMm1xd8J7

GaryV

Quote from: index on December 12, 2024, 06:06:06 AMI recently found this in North Walpole, NH - a crossing on a two-way road where only one side has a gate - and was wondering if there were any more examples. This isn't particularly crazy but I don't want to start a thread for something so specific.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZKWaCZZqsMm1xd8J7

What's up with those Yield signs for pedestrians? Do people walk down the train tracks?

vdeane

Quote from: GaryV on December 12, 2024, 07:33:37 AM
Quote from: index on December 12, 2024, 06:06:06 AMI recently found this in North Walpole, NH - a crossing on a two-way road where only one side has a gate - and was wondering if there were any more examples. This isn't particularly crazy but I don't want to start a thread for something so specific.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZKWaCZZqsMm1xd8J7

What's up with those Yield signs for pedestrians? Do people walk down the train tracks?

Probably something to do with the sidewalk ending on the north side with pedestrians needing to be in the road to get by the crossing.  And maybe the bridge that closed ages ago.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

freebrickproductions

#55
Quote from: index on December 12, 2024, 06:06:06 AMI recently found this in North Walpole, NH - a crossing on a two-way road where only one side has a gate - and was wondering if there were any more examples. This isn't particularly crazy but I don't want to start a thread for something so specific.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZKWaCZZqsMm1xd8J7

Looks like there was a second gate there previously, just one of the gate masts was wiped-out (most likely by a vehicle) when street view went though:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/North+Walpole,+Walpole,+NH/@43.1353374,-72.4393102,3a,39.3y,292.86h,89.9t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sjdNlI1CuRykEwOzJGsmm7A!2e0!5s20180901T000000!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D0.10488965557841823%26panoid%3DjdNlI1CuRykEwOzJGsmm7A%26yaw%3D292.8642466496348!7i13312!8i6656!4m7!3m6!1s0x89e1a48a600e3c25:0x443c04678f099750!8m2!3d43.1390125!4d-72.447601!10e5!16s%2Fm%2F0gkxb19!5m1!1e4?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

That being said, I am aware of a good few crossings around the US with only one gate arm at them, despite being on two-way roads:
http://www.rxrsignals.com/Alabama/A-F/Banks/AL201/
http://www.rxrsignals.com/Alabama/A-F/Brewton/Deer/
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.4338739,-79.7072042,3a,55.4y,107.73h,90.17t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sQPJGnAcY9wAWf0XYO4JFWg!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-0.17372507147464944%26panoid%3DQPJGnAcY9wAWf0XYO4JFWg%26yaw%3D107.73287615901532!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e4?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
Video of the above crossing as well:

I remember seeing a similar crossing somewhere in Ohio years ago on a former Conrail line, though I can't recall exactly where off the top of my head.
EDIT: Found it! Unfortunately, per street view, it has since been replaced with a standard gated install with two gates:
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.3960555,-81.0897664,3a,41.7y,33.51h,84.09t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1s1Ud0zStD_Ft1ZQDjRNXO1w!2e0!5s20120701T000000!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D5.906472164593183%26panoid%3D1Ud0zStD_Ft1ZQDjRNXO1w%26yaw%3D33.50552830824438!7i13312!8i6656?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIxMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
I suspect that originally, there would've been a second signalized crossing on the other side of the creek, for the line that used to be where the trail now is, which would've had a similar set-up to that one with the two operating together as one large crossing. Basically something similar to this crossing, once upon a time.
It's all fun & games until someone summons Cthulhu and brings about the end of the world.

I also collect traffic lights, road signs, fans, and railroad crossing equipment.

(They/Them)

Gnutella

One can see the remains of an at-grade railroad crossing across a controlled-access highway on U.S. 63 near Columbia, MO. It's since been replaced by a grade-separated railroad bridge, but there's a patch of newer concrete where the old crossing used to be, including the outer shoulder, which is otherwise asphalt.

pderocco

Quote from: Gnutella on January 25, 2025, 10:01:02 PMOne can see the remains of an at-grade railroad crossing across a controlled-access highway on U.S. 63 near Columbia, MO. It's since been replaced by a grade-separated railroad bridge, but there's a patch of newer concrete where the old crossing used to be, including the outer shoulder, which is otherwise asphalt.
Google Earth historical imagery shows that the new alignment of US-63, which provoked the creation of that grade crossing, happened around 1985. They fixed it in 2010. How did a mess like that survive for 25 years?

kphoger

Quote from: epzik8 on March 23, 2024, 04:28:51 PMhttps://www.google.com/maps/@34.1215781,-78.8757671,3a,37.5y,269.43h,89.68t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJyaU78aMdO-jBJgzM5CpwA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu

One of a few along US 701 between Loris, SC and Tabor City, NC, although I don't believe this railroad line is still functional.

Forgive me for asking, but what is weird about that crossing, other than missing a crossbuck for opposing traffic?  It just looks like a driveway crossing a railroad to me.  Pretty common in rural areas.  (for example)

Around here, it's pretty easy to find a crossing that just empties out into a field—not even a proper driveway.  (for example)
Keep right except to pass.  Yes.  You.
Visit scenic Orleans County, NY!
Male pronouns, please.

Quote from: Philip K. DickIf you can control the meaning of words, you can control the people who must use them.

mgk920

Urban tram lines in European cities cross streets EVERYWHERE, using nearly every track configuration imaginable.  Major street intersections, roundabouts, etc, it often doesn't matter.  Traffic is normally controlled with signals that apply to the tram cars and are timed into the regular RYG cycles of the street.  In a more extreme example, in Nederlands, it is also not unusual for there to be FOUR different sets of signals at one intersection, One set applying to cars and trucks, the second pedestrians, the third bicycles and the fourth tram cars, set to cycle for most efficent traffic throughput.

Mike

epzik8

Quote from: kphoger on January 27, 2025, 11:19:35 AM
Quote from: epzik8 on March 23, 2024, 04:28:51 PMhttps://www.google.com/maps/@34.1215781,-78.8757671,3a,37.5y,269.43h,89.68t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJyaU78aMdO-jBJgzM5CpwA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu

One of a few along US 701 between Loris, SC and Tabor City, NC, although I don't believe this railroad line is still functional.

Forgive me for asking, but what is weird about that crossing, other than missing a crossbuck for opposing traffic?  It just looks like a driveway crossing a railroad to me.  Pretty common in rural areas.  (for example)

Around here, it's pretty easy to find a crossing that just empties out into a field—not even a proper driveway.  (for example)

Thanks for enlightening me
From the land of red, white, yellow and black.
____________________________

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kphoger

Quote from: epzik8 on January 27, 2025, 02:04:19 PMThanks for enlightening me

Umm...  thanks?

All that isn't to say that it isn't interesting.  Specifically, the single crossbuck has me wondering.  Scrolling back through GSV time, I don't see any evidence of a corresponding crossbuck on the other side of the crossing.  Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but the signage standard by the time it was installed was already calling for the addition of a stop or yield sign, wasn't it?
Keep right except to pass.  Yes.  You.
Visit scenic Orleans County, NY!
Male pronouns, please.

Quote from: Philip K. DickIf you can control the meaning of words, you can control the people who must use them.

jeffandnicole

Quote from: kphoger on January 27, 2025, 11:19:35 AM
Quote from: epzik8 on March 23, 2024, 04:28:51 PMhttps://www.google.com/maps/@34.1215781,-78.8757671,3a,37.5y,269.43h,89.68t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJyaU78aMdO-jBJgzM5CpwA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu

One of a few along US 701 between Loris, SC and Tabor City, NC, although I don't believe this railroad line is still functional.

Forgive me for asking, but what is weird about that crossing, other than missing a crossbuck for opposing traffic?  It just looks like a driveway crossing a railroad to me.  Pretty common in rural areas.  (for example)

Around here, it's pretty easy to find a crossing that just empties out into a field—not even a proper driveway.  (for example)

Oh, you want crossbucks...or signage? The only sign posted at these crossings is the blue sign to call in event of an issue at the crossing.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/jj66r7hxgnSQoQ9P6

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FLMwQXbNnf6vy5hcA


thenetwork

Back in the early 90s on the west side of Toledo, OH, Westwood Avenue used to cross an insane number of tracks, practically in the middle of the rail yard.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/prN9oB3zDYfTfDjEA

I think the city finally relinquished that section of Westwood to the railroad around the turn of the century.  Back then there had to have been at least 10 tracks one would have to cross.

Rothman

Quote from: thenetwork on January 27, 2025, 06:04:55 PMBack in the early 90s on the west side of Toledo, OH, Westwood Avenue used to cross an insane number of tracks, practically in the middle of the rail yard.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/prN9oB3zDYfTfDjEA

I think the city finally relinquished that section of Westwood to the railroad around the turn of the century.  Back then there had to have been at least 10 tracks one would have to cross.

That's a great link to the City of Toledo.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position(s) of NYSDOT.

kphoger

Keep right except to pass.  Yes.  You.
Visit scenic Orleans County, NY!
Male pronouns, please.

Quote from: Philip K. DickIf you can control the meaning of words, you can control the people who must use them.

pderocco

Quote from: mgk920 on January 27, 2025, 01:02:14 PMUrban tram lines in European cities cross streets EVERYWHERE, using nearly every track configuration imaginable.  Major street intersections, roundabouts, etc, it often doesn't matter.  Traffic is normally controlled with signals that apply to the tram cars and are timed into the regular RYG cycles of the street.  In a more extreme example, in Nederlands, it is also not unusual for there to be FOUR different sets of signals at one intersection, One set applying to cars and trucks, the second pedestrians, the third bicycles and the fourth tram cars, set to cycle for most efficent traffic throughput.
Should be: the most efficient traffic throughput possible with four sets of signals. Bugger the bicycles.

thenetwork

#67
Quote from: Rothman on January 27, 2025, 06:47:08 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on January 27, 2025, 06:04:55 PMBack in the early 90s on the west side of Toledo, OH, Westwood Avenue used to cross an insane number of tracks, practically in the middle of the rail yard.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/prN9oB3zDYfTfDjEA

I think the city finally relinquished that section of Westwood to the railroad around the turn of the century.  Back then there had to have been at least 10 tracks one would have to cross.

That's a great link to the City of Toledo.

That's the first time I tried to share a Google Maps link showing a specific aerial view and it instead goes to a default view of the city in question.
 
 I should copy this post verbatim and paste it under the "Google.Maps F*cking Sucks Now" theead.


mgk920

Quote from: pderocco on January 28, 2025, 03:49:54 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 27, 2025, 01:02:14 PMUrban tram lines in European cities cross streets EVERYWHERE, using nearly every track configuration imaginable.  Major street intersections, roundabouts, etc, it often doesn't matter.  Traffic is normally controlled with signals that apply to the tram cars and are timed into the regular RYG cycles of the street.  In a more extreme example, in Nederlands, it is also not unusual for there to be FOUR different sets of signals at one intersection, One set applying to cars and trucks, the second pedestrians, the third bicycles and the fourth tram cars, set to cycle for most efficent traffic throughput.
Should be: the most efficient traffic throughput possible with four sets of signals. Bugger the bicycles.

Bicycles have been a DEEPLY integral part of the very fiber of Dutch culture ever since they were first invented and introduced in the late 19th century.

Mike

vdeane

Quote from: thenetwork on January 28, 2025, 07:25:51 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 27, 2025, 06:47:08 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on January 27, 2025, 06:04:55 PMBack in the early 90s on the west side of Toledo, OH, Westwood Avenue used to cross an insane number of tracks, practically in the middle of the rail yard.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/prN9oB3zDYfTfDjEA

I think the city finally relinquished that section of Westwood to the railroad around the turn of the century.  Back then there had to have been at least 10 tracks one would have to cross.

That's a great link to the City of Toledo.

That's the first time I tried to share a Google Maps link showing a specific aerial view and it instead goes to a default view of the city in question.
 
 I should copy this post verbatim and paste it under the "Google.Maps F*cking Sucks Now" theead.


Did you have the search text still there when you did the others?  I believe that overrides some view settings on shared links.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

thenetwork

Quote from: vdeane on January 28, 2025, 12:33:10 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on January 28, 2025, 07:25:51 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 27, 2025, 06:47:08 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on January 27, 2025, 06:04:55 PMBack in the early 90s on the west side of Toledo, OH, Westwood Avenue used to cross an insane number of tracks, practically in the middle of the rail yard.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/prN9oB3zDYfTfDjEA

I think the city finally relinquished that section of Westwood to the railroad around the turn of the century.  Back then there had to have been at least 10 tracks one would have to cross.

That's a great link to the City of Toledo.

That's the first time I tried to share a Google Maps link showing a specific aerial view and it instead goes to a default view of the city in question.
 
 I should copy this post verbatim and paste it under the "Google.Maps F*cking Sucks Now" theead.


Did you have the search text still there when you did the others?  I believe that overrides some view settings on shared links.

One more try...
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RLt5w7Q9Th8XJELt7

BTW, the "gap" is where the street once crossed.

michiganguy123

Mansfield OH may be similar crossing 5 tracks (7 within 2000 feet)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/NFTvjx1aW8n1SQsP7

Wonder what road has the most railroad tracks to cross in the United States

Big John

S Holgate St. in Seattle. The crossings on the east side are still there, but until 2016, the west side tracks also had 6 crossings.

Overview: https://www.google.com/maps/@47.5863674,-122.3309958,119m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDEyNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D


freebrickproductions

It's all fun & games until someone summons Cthulhu and brings about the end of the world.

I also collect traffic lights, road signs, fans, and railroad crossing equipment.

(They/Them)

kphoger

Guys, there's a whole thread about the greatest number of tracks to cross.



Quote from: freebrickproductions on January 28, 2025, 08:16:13 PMThe largest crossing in general is this 19-track crossing in Galveston, TX, though it ain't signed at all:
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.302914,-94.8104366,3a,41.2y,336.6h,90.07t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sxyTJb1r9fk-nkrRY5EEGwg!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-0.06794657550481986%26panoid%3DxyTJb1r9fk-nkrRY5EEGwg%26yaw%3D336.6043381835804!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDEyNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

This one is tricky for a number of reasons:

1.  The BNSF siding spurs are inside a split of the mainline itself.
2.  Port Industrial Road is also inside that same split.
3.  There is no crossbuck facing either way from Port Industrial Road.

The above three points seem to suggest that not just the first (1) BNSF mainline track and the (18) BNSF auxiliary/spur tracks should be counted together, but also at least the other (2) BNSF mainline tracks on the other side of Port Industrial Road.  These together make 21 BNSF tracks that just happen to have a cross-street stuck in the middle of them.

4.  This is confirmed by past signage, which indeed counted the crossing as 21 tracks.

5.  And that only gets you to the Port tracks.  After the end of the pavement, for a few years there used to be 6 more Port/ADM siding tracks before Gate 15 (note the crossbuck between those 6 siding tracks and the other 21 tracks).

6.  And there still are 7 more Port/Pier siding tracks inside the gate.

So, basically, 19 is the minimum number of tracks to be counted here but, in my opinion, 21 is just as valid of a count.  For a period of time there were even 27 tracks to be crossed, with no additional crossbuck in between, before getting to Gate 15.  And at that time, if you had access to get through the gate, then you could have crossed 34 tracks at one shot, but that number has now been dropped to 28.

Quote from: kphoger on January 20, 2021, 12:03:42 PMOK, this took a lot longer than I care to admit...

The 21 tracks appear to be a combination of the auxiliary freight yard plus the mainline–but not including those tracks pertaining exclusively to the freight yard at the port itself.  Going by Google satellite view, I've mapped out the rail lines below as well as I can.  The green and blue crossings add up to 21.

Blue = Mainline railroad (or sidings that reconnect to the mainline)
Red = Port of Galveston freight yard sidings
Green = Auxiliary freight yard and spur lines




Quote from: kphoger on January 21, 2021, 11:43:49 AMStarting from the south:

HARBORSIDE DRIVE
1 BNSF mainline track
18 BNSF sidings

PORT INDUSTRIAL ROAD
2 BNSF mainline tracks
pavement ends
6 Port Rail / ADM Grain sidings
Gate #15
7 Port Rail / Pier 39 sidings
becomes WHARF ROAD
Keep right except to pass.  Yes.  You.
Visit scenic Orleans County, NY!
Male pronouns, please.

Quote from: Philip K. DickIf you can control the meaning of words, you can control the people who must use them.



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