Exit Ramp Question

[US 41]

I'm assuming the answer to this question is no. Is a exit ramp off of / or to a city street from / to an interstate allowed to cross a railroad track. 

[froggie]

Yes it is allowed, though for obvious reasons, it's not preferred.  As an example, the EIS plan for the I-494/CSAH 28 interchange in Bloomington, MN calls for the westbound on-ramp to cross the adjacent rail line at-grade.  This became the plan because alternatives that avoided the at-grade crossing resulted in unwanted consequences (excessive right-of-way needs or tight ramp curvature).

Meanwhile, numerous folded-diamond interchanges were built nationwide due to the preference to NOT have the ramps cross a rail line.  Many (most?) remain even if the rail line adjacent to the side road being interchanged is no longer in service.

[US 41]

thanks

[mgk920]

Not (yet) an interstate, but the ramps on US 10/WI 441 to and from Racine St in Menasha, WI all cross a minor railroad spur at grade.  The rail line serves a couple of industrial customers (switched daily) and the level crossings will all be retained when the freeway is upgraded to six lanes in a few years.

http://goo.gl/maps/0qQzo

Mike