Traffic Signals exclusively for railroad crossings

[kphoger]

Most of these seem pointless, as in why wouldn't they install a normal railroad crossing signal instead?

[dgolub]

There's one at the very beginning of Corlies Avenue (NJ 33) in Neptune, New Jersey.  See http://www.greaternyroads.info/roads/njstate/nj33.

[mrsman]

Most of these seem pointless, as in why wouldn't they install a normal railroad crossing signal instead?

It seems from the video that was posted earlier that one of the features of the traffic light was also to make sure that the intersection was kept clear so that traffic would no back up into the railroad crossing.  This seems particularly true if a roundabout is nearby.

In some areas, I see a lot of people not properly respect the R/R crossing signals, even to the point of driving around gates that are closing.  Perhaps a normal traffic signal would give people more warning of the need to stop.

Another idea is that perhaps the traffic signal can be used as a way to make a R/R crossing exempt (from school buses and truck from having to stop before the crossing). 

In many ways, they do seem pointless.  But if there are marked increases in safety, why not have the extra signal.

[vdeane]

That last idea might be it.  Many of the ones in NY are on freeways, or at least more major roads.

[drrosenrosen]

E Truman Rd in Independence, MO
https://goo.gl/maps/LUSE61Cd7jx7dVBH8

[mrsman]

Most of these seem pointless, as in why wouldn't they install a normal railroad crossing signal instead?

I agree. There seems to be no need for this as the regular RR crossing signals seem fine.

Is there any data out there justifying these?  Do drivers respect RYG signals more than the flashing RR signals?

[US 89]

Now that we've bumped this, here are a couple from the Salt Lake area, on 2200 West (also featuring RYG signals for the trains themselves) and 500 West (featuring 3M PV signals for the southbound approach). Both are small industrial spurs.

[OracleUsr]

Side roads intersecting Market St. in Greensboro used to along the tracks on the west side of town; I don't know if it still does, but Meadowood Rd. had one.

[jeffandnicole]

Most of these seem pointless, as in why wouldn't they install a normal railroad crossing signal instead?

I agree. There seems to be no need for this as the regular RR crossing signals seem fine.

Is there any data out there justifying these?  Do drivers respect RYG signals more than the flashing RR signals?

Personal observation: Yes.

When people approach a train signal that's flashing, they slow down, look, and if they think they can beat the train they go.  At a traffic light, when the light turns red, people just stop and stay stopped until the light turns green, no matter how long and pointless the light may be.

[NoGoodNamesAvailable]

Most of these seem pointless, as in why wouldn't they install a normal railroad crossing signal instead?

I agree. There seems to be no need for this as the regular RR crossing signals seem fine.

Is there any data out there justifying these?  Do drivers respect RYG signals more than the flashing RR signals?

Personal observation: Yes.

When people approach a train signal that's flashing, they slow down, look, and if they think they can beat the train they go.  At a traffic light, when the light turns red, people just stop and stay stopped until the light turns green, no matter how long and pointless the light may be.

Haha, no. I suspect you've never lived near a truly long and/or pointless light–red light jumping absolutely gets worse the more inconvenient people think the signal is.

[ErmineNotyours]

Where the Arbutus Railway crossed Broadway in Vancouver, BC, the crossing was controlled by regular traffic lights. Street View.  It's since been turned into a trail with a crosswalk signal.