913.2 Signs (MUTCD Chapter 8B)

913.2.1 Purpose and Application (MUTCD Section 8B.01)

Support. Passive traffic control systems, consisting of signs and pavement markings only, identify and direct attention to the location of a grade crossing and advise road users to reduce their speed or stop at the grade crossing as necessary in order to yield to any rail traffic occupying, or approaching and in proximity to, the grade crossing.

Signs and markings regulate, warn, and guide the road users so that they, as well as LRT vehicle operators on mixed-use alignments, can take appropriate action when approaching a grade crossing.

Unless otherwise provided in this article, the provisions of EPG 903 are applicable to the design and location of signs at grade crossings.

913.2.2 Sizes of Grade Crossing Signs (MUTCD Section 8B.02)

Standard. The sizes of grade crossing signs shall be as shown in Table 913.2.2.

Table 913.2.2, Railroad and Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings Sign and Plaque Sizes

Sign or Plaque	Sign Designation	EPG Article	Conventional Road (in. x in.)			Freeway/Expressway (in. x in.)
			Standard	Oversized	Special	Mainline and Ramps
STOP	R1-1	-	36 x 36	48 x 48	-	48 x 48
YIELD	R1-2	-	48 x 48	60 x 60	-	60 x 60
No Right Turn - Train (symbol)	R3-1a	913.4.10	24 x 30	30 x 36	-	-
No Left Turn - Train (symbol)	R3-2a	913.4.10	24 x 30	30 x 36	-	-
DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS	R8-8	913.2.7	24 x 30	24 x 30	-	36 x 48
STOP HERE ON RED	R10-6	913.2.8	24 x 36	24 x 36	-	-
LEFT (RIGHT) LANE SIGNAL	R10-10b	913.4.11, 913.4.12	24 x 30	30 x 36	-	30 x 36
LEFT (RIGHT) TURN LANE SIGNAL	R10-10C	913.4.11, 913.4.12	24 x 30	30 x 36	-	30 x 36
Grade Crossing (Crossbuck) [Railroad Responsibility]	R15-1	913.2.3	48 x 9	-	-	48 x 9
Number of Tracks (plaque) [Railroad Responsibility]	R15-2P	913.2.3	27 x 18	-	-	27 x 18
EXEMPT	R15-3P	913.2.9	24 x 12	-	-	-
Railroad Crossing	W10-1	913.2.6	42 dia.	-	-	48 dia.
EXEMPT	W10-1aP	913.2.6	24 x 12	-	-	-
Crossroad Railroad Crossing	W10-2	913.2.6	36 x 36	48 x 48	-	48 x 48
Side Road Railroad Crossing	W10-3	913.2.6	36 x 36	48 x 48	-	48 x 48
T-Intersection Railroad Crossing	W10-4	913.2.6	36 x 36	48 x 48	-	48 x 48
Low Ground Clearance (symbol)	W10-5	913.2.14	36 x 36	48 x 48	-	48 x 48
Low Ground Clearance (plaque)	W10-5P	913.2.14	30 x 24	-	-	30 x 24
No Train Horn (plaque)	W10-9P	913.2.15	30 x 24	-	-	30 x 24
Emergency Notification [Railroad Responsibility]	I13-1	913.2.16	12 x 9	-	-	12 x 9
Notes: Dimensions in inches are shown as width x height Table 914.1.2 shows the minimum sizes that may be used for grade crossing signs and plaques that face shared-use paths and pedestrian facilities

913.2.3 Grade Crossing (Crossbuck) Sign (R15-1) and Number of Tracks Plaque (R15-2P) at Active and Passive Grade Crossings (MUTCD Section 8B.03)

R15-1

R15-2P

Standard. The Grade Crossing (R15-1) sign, commonly identified as the Crossbuck sign, shall be retroreflective white with the words RAILROAD CROSSING in black lettering, mounted as shown in Figure 913.2.3.

Support. The Grade Crossing (R15-1) sign and Number of Tracks (R15-2P) plaque are provided by the appropriate railroad company. Railroad companies and/or transit agencies are responsible for the installation and maintenance of these signs.

Figure 913.2.3 Crossbuck Assembly with a YIELD or STOP Sign on the Crossbuck Sign Support

Notes:

1. YIELD or STOP signs are used only at passive crossings. A STOP sign is used only if an engineering study determines that it is appropriate for that particular approach.
2. Mounting height shall be at least 4 feet for installations of YIELD or STOP signs on existing Crossbuck sign supports.
3. Mounting height shall be at least 5 feet for new installations in rural areas and at least 7 feet for new installations in areas where parking or pedestrian movements are likely to occur.

Standard. As a minimum, one Crossbuck sign shall be used on each highway approach to every highway-rail grade crossing, alone or in combination with other traffic control devices.

As a minimum, one Crossbuck sign shall be used on each highway approach to every highway-LRT grade crossing where flashing-light signals or automatic gates are used, alone or in combination with other traffic control devices.

Option. A Crossbuck sign may be used on a highway approach to a highway-LRT grade crossing where flashing-light signals or automatic gates are not used, alone or in combination with other traffic control devices.

Standard. If there are two or more tracks at a grade crossing, the number of tracks shall be indicated on a supplemental Number of Tracks (R15-2P) plaque of inverted T shape mounted below the Crossbuck sign in the manner shown in Figure 913.2.3.

On each approach to a highway-rail grade crossing and, if used, on each approach to a highway-LRT grade crossing, the Crossbuck sign shall be installed on the right-hand side of the highway on each approach to the grade crossing. Where restricted sight distance or unfavorable highway geometry exists on an approach to a grade crossing, or where there is a one-way multi-lane approach, an additional Crossbuck sign shall be installed on the left-hand side of the highway, possibly placed back-to-back with the Crossbuck sign for the opposite approach or otherwise located so that two Crossbuck signs are displayed for that approach.

A strip of retroreflective white material not less than 2 inches in width shall be used on the back of each blade of each Crossbuck sign for the length of each blade at all passive grade crossings, except those where Crossbuck signs have been installed back-to-back or where double-faced Crossbuck signs have been installed.

Option. A strip of retroreflective white material not less than 2 inches in width may be used on the back of each blade of each Crossbuck sign for the length of each blade at active grade crossings.

Guidance. Minimum clearance dimensions for crossbuck signs relative to the proximity to the nearest rail should conform to the requirements of the railroad company and/or transit agency, and MoDOT Multimodal Division (Rail Section).

Except as provided in the Option paragraph below, the mounting height of Crossbuck signs, measured vertically from the center of the sign to the elevation of the near edge of the pavement, should be approximately 9 feet (see Figure 913.2.3).

Option. The 9-foot mounting height for the Crossbuck sign may be varied as required by local conditions and may be increased to accommodate signs mounted below the Crossbuck sign.

913.2.4 Crossbuck Assemblies with YIELD or STOP Signs at Passive Grade Crossings (MUTCD Section 8B.04)

Support. The MoDOT Multimodal Division developed a Stop Sign Fact Sheet Sheet to help determine if a Stop sign should be displayed below the Crossbuck sign instead of a Yield sign at passive railroad crossings.

Standard. A Crossbuck Assembly shall consist of a Crossbuck (R15-1) sign, and a Number of Tracks (R15-2P) plaque if two or more tracks are present, that complies with the provisions of EPG 913.2.3, and either a YIELD (R1-2) or STOP (R1-1) sign installed on the same support, except as provided in the Option paragraph below. YIELD or STOP signs used at passive grade crossings shall be installed in compliance with the provisions of EPG 903.2.17, and Figures 913.2.3, 913.2.4.1, and 913.2.4.2.

At all public highway-rail grade crossings that are not equipped with the active traffic control systems that are described in EPG 913.4, except crossings where road users are directed by an authorized person on the ground to not enter the crossing at all times that an approaching train is about to occupy the crossing, a Crossbuck Assembly shall be installed on the right-hand side of the highway on each approach to the highway-rail grade crossing.

If a Crossbuck sign is used on a highway approach to a public highway-LRT grade crossing that is not equipped with the active traffic control systems that are described in EPG 913.4, a Crossbuck Assembly shall be installed on the right-hand side of the highway on each approach to the highway-LRT grade crossing.

Where restricted sight distance or unfavorable highway geometry exists on an approach to a grade crossing that has a Crossbuck Assembly, or where there is a one-way multi-lane approach, an additional Crossbuck Assembly shall be installed on the left-hand side of the highway.

A YIELD sign shall be the default traffic control device for Crossbuck Assemblies on all highway approaches to passive grade crossings unless an engineering study performed by the MoDOT Multimodal Division (Rail Section) or highway authority having jurisdiction over the roadway approach determines that a STOP sign is appropriate.

Guidance. The use of STOP signs at passive grade crossings should be limited to unusual conditions where requiring all motor vehicles to make a full stop is determined to be necessary by a Diagnostic Team. Among the factors that should be considered by the Diagnostic Team are the line of sight to approaching rail traffic (giving due consideration to seasonal crops or vegetation beyond both the highway and railroad or LRT rights-of-ways), the number of tracks, the speeds of trains or LRT equipment and motor vehicles, and the crash history at the grade crossing.

Where a passive grade crossing is located on a stop-controlled approach and the clear storage distance is less than the length of the design vehicle, and where adequate sight distance to oncoming traffic on the parallel roadway is available to road users stopped on the approach to the grade crossing, consideration should be given to installing a STOP sign at the Crossbuck Assembly instead of at the highway-highway intersection. If the STOP sign is installed at the Crossbuck Assembly instead of at the highway-highway intersection, the Diagnostic Team should consider installing some other intersection traffic control device at the highway-highway intersection.

Figure 913.2.4.1. Crossbuck Assembly with a YIELD or STOP Sign on a Separate Sign Support (Sheet 1 of 2)

Notes:

1. YIELD signs are used only at passive crossings.
2. Place the face of the signs in the same plane and place the YIELD sign closer to the traveled way. Provide a 2-inch minimum separation between the edge of the Crossbuck sign and the edge of the YIELD sign.

Figure 913.2.4.2 Crossbuck Assembly with a YIELD or STOP Sign on a Separate Sign Support (Sheet 2 of 2)

Notes:

1. STOP signs are used only at passive crossings and only if an engineering study determines that it is appropriate for that particular approach.
2. Place the face of the signs in the same plane and place the STOP sign closer to the traveled way. Provide a 2-inch minimum separation between the edge of the Crossbuck sign and the edge of the STOP sign.

Standard. If a Crossbuck Assembly is installed on the approach to a passive grade crossing located at a highway-highway intersection controlled by a traffic control signal that is not interconnected with the grade crossing and not preempted by the approach of rail traffic, a Diagnostic Team shall be convened to determine the appropriate traffic control devices. A STOP sign shall not be installed on a Crossbuck Assembly in this situation.

Support. EPG 913.1.1 through EPG 913.1.5 contain information regarding the responsibilities of the Diagnostic Team, highway agency, MoDOT Multimodal Division (Rail Section), and the railroad company or transit agency regarding the selection, design, and operation of traffic control devices placed at grade crossings.

Option. If a YIELD or STOP sign is installed for a Crossbuck Assembly at a grade crossing, it may be installed on the same support as the Crossbuck sign or it may be installed on a separate support at a point where the motor vehicle is to stop, or as near to that point as practicable, but in either case, the YIELD or STOP sign is considered to be a part of the Crossbuck Assembly.

Standard. If a YIELD or STOP sign is installed on an existing Crossbuck sign support, the mounting height, measured vertically from the bottom of the YIELD or STOP sign to the top of the curb, or in the absence of curb, measured vertically from the bottom of the YIELD or STOP sign to the elevation of the near edge of the traveled way, shall be at least 4 feet Figure 913.2.3).

If a Crossbuck Assembly is installed on a new sign support (see Figure 913.2.3) or if the YIELD or STOP sign is installed on a separate support (see Figures 913.2.4.1 and 913.2.4.2), the mounting height, measured vertically from the bottom of the YIELD or STOP sign to the top of the curb, or in the absence of curb, measured vertically from the bottom of the YIELD or STOP sign to the elevation of the near edge of the traveled way, shall be at least 5 feet in rural areas and shall be at least 7 feet in areas where parking or pedestrian movements are likely to occur.

Guidance. If a YIELD or STOP sign is installed for a Crossbuck Assembly at a grade crossing on a separate support than the Crossbuck sign (see Figures 913.2.4.1 and 913.2.4.2), the YIELD or STOP sign should be placed in the same plane as the Crossbuck sign and closer to the traveled way than the Crossbuck sign. The minimum separation between the nearest point of the YIELD or STOP sign and the nearest point of the Crossbuck sign should be 2 inches as shown in Figures 913.2.4.1 and 913.2.4.2.

Support. The meaning of a Crossbuck Assembly that includes a YIELD sign is that a road user approaching the grade crossing needs to be prepared to decelerate, and when necessary, yield the right-of-way to any rail traffic that might be occupying the crossing or might be approaching and in such close proximity to the crossing that it would be unsafe for the road user to cross.

Certain commercial motor vehicles and school buses are required to stop at all grade crossings in accordance with 49 CFR 392.10 even if a YIELD sign (or just a Crossbuck sign) is posted.

The meaning of a Crossbuck Assembly that includes a STOP sign is that a road user approaching the grade crossing must come to a full stop not less than 15 feet short of the nearest rail, and remain stopped while the road user determines if there is rail traffic either occupying the crossing or approaching and in such close proximity to the crossing that the road user must yield the right-of-way to rail traffic. The road user is permitted to proceed when it is safe to cross.

Standard. A vertical strip of retroreflective white material, not less than 2 inches in width, shall be used on each Crossbuck support at passive grade crossings for the full length of the back of the support from the Crossbuck sign or Number of Tracks plaque to within 2 feet above the near edge of the roadway, except as provided in the first Option paragraph below. A white retroreflective strip wrapped around a round support for the full length of the support from the Crossbuck Sign or Number of Tracks plaque to within 2 feet above the near edge of the roadway shall satisfy this requirement as long as the round support has an outside diameter of at least 2 inches.

Option. The vertical strip of retroreflective material may be omitted from the back sides of Crossbuck sign supports installed on one-way streets and at pathway or sidewalk grade crossings (see EPG 913.5.5).

If a YIELD or STOP sign is installed on the same support as the Crossbuck sign, a vertical strip of red (see EPG 903.1.11) or white retroreflective material that is at least 2 inches wide may be used on the front of the support from the YIELD or STOP sign to within 2 feet above the near edge of the roadway.

Standard. If a Crossbuck sign support at a passive grade crossing does not include a YIELD or STOP sign (either because the YIELD or STOP sign is placed on a separate support or because a YIELD or STOP sign is not present on the approach), a vertical strip of retroreflective white material, not less than 2 inches in width, shall be used for the full length of the front of the support from the Crossbuck sign or Number of Tracks plaque to within 2 feet above the near edge of the roadway. A white retroreflective strip wrapped around a round support for the full length of the support from the Crossbuck Sign or Number of Tracks plaque to within 2 feet above the near edge of the roadway shall satisfy this requirement as long as the round support has an outside diameter of at least 2 inches.

At all grade crossings where YIELD or STOP signs are installed, Yield Ahead (W3-2) or Stop Ahead (W3-1) signs shall also be installed if the criteria for their installation in EPG 903.3.29 is met.

Support. EPG 913.3.3 contains provisions regarding the use of stop lines or yield lines at grade crossings.

913.2.5 Use of STOP (R1-1) or YIELD (R1-2) Signs without Crossbuck Signs at Highway-LRT Grade Crossings (MUTCD Section 8B.05)

Guidance. The use of only STOP or YIELD signs for road users at highway-LRT grade crossings should be limited to those crossings where the need and feasibility is determined by the Diagnostic Team. Such crossings should have all of the following characteristics:

A. The crossing roadways are secondary in character (such as a minor street with one lane in each direction, an alley, or a driveway) with low traffic volumes and low speed limits. The specific thresholds of traffic volumes and speed limits should be determined by the local agencies.

B. The line of sight for an approaching LRT operator is adequate from a sufficient distance such that the operator can sound an audible signal and bring the LRT equipment to a stop before arriving at the crossing.

C. The road user has sufficient sight distance at the stop line to permit the vehicle to cross the tracks before the arrival of the LRT equipment.

D. If at an intersection of two roadways, the intersection does not meet the warrants for a traffic control signal as provided in EPG 902.3.

E. The LRT tracks are located such that motor vehicles are not likely to stop on the tracks while waiting to enter a crossroad or highway.

Standard. For all highway-LRT grade crossings where only STOP (R1-1) or YIELD (R1-2) signs are installed, the placement shall comply with the requirements of EPG 903.2.17. Stop Ahead (W3-1) or Yield Ahead (W3-2) Advance Warning signs shall also be installed if the criteria for their installation given in EPG 903.3.29 is met.

913.2.6 Grade Crossing Advance Warning Signs (W10-1 through W10-4) (MUTCD Section 8B.06)

W10-1

W10-1aP

W10-2

W10-4

Standard. A Grade Crossing Advance Warning (W10-1) sign shall be used on each highway in advance of every grade crossing, except in the following circumstances:

A. On an approach to a grade crossing from an intersection with a parallel highway if the distance from the nearest rail of the tracks to the edge of the parallel roadway is less than 100 feet and W10-2, W10-3, or W10-4 signs are used on the approaches of the parallel highway (see the third Standard paragraph below);

B. In business or commercial areas where active grade crossing traffic control systems are in use;

C. Where physical conditions do not permit even a partially effective display of the sign; or

D. At highway-LRT grade crossings where Crossbuck signs are not used (see EPG 913.2.3).

The placement of the Grade Crossing Advance Warning sign shall be in accordance with EPG 903.3.4 and Table 903.3.3.

If a YIELD or STOP sign is present at a passive grade crossing, a Yield Ahead (W3-2) or Stop Ahead (W3-1) Advance Warning sign shall also be installed if the criteria for their installation given in EPG 903.3.29 is met. If a Yield Ahead or Stop Ahead sign is installed on the approach to the crossing, the W10-1 sign shall be installed upstream from the Yield Ahead or Stop Ahead sign. The Yield Ahead or Stop Ahead sign shall be located in accordance with Table 903.3.3. The minimum distance between the signs shall be in accordance with EPG 903.3.4 and Table 903.3.3.

Option. On divided highways and one-way streets, an additional W10-1 sign may be installed on the left-hand side of the roadway.

Standard. If the distance between the tracks and a parallel highway, from the nearest rail of the tracks to the edge of the parallel roadway, is less than 100 feet, a W10-2, W10-3, or W10-4 sign shall be installed on each approach of the parallel highway to warn road users making a turn that they will encounter a grade crossing soon after making a turn, and a W10-1 sign for the approach to the tracks shall not be required to be between the tracks and the parallel highway.

If the W10-2, W10-3, or W10-4 sign is used, sign placement in accordance with the guidelines for Intersection Warning signs in Table 903.3.3 using the speed of through traffic shall be measured from the highway intersection.

Guidance. If the distance between the tracks and the parallel highway, from the nearest rail of the tracks to the edge of the parallel roadway, is 100 feet or more, a W10-1 sign should be installed in advance of the grade crossing, and the W10-2, W10-3, or W10-4 sign should not be used on the parallel highway.

913.2.7 DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS Sign (R8-8) (MUTCD Section 8B.07)

R8-8

Guidance. If motor vehicle queues are likely to extend onto the tracks, a DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS (R8-8) sign should be used.

Support. Locations where motor vehicles could queue onto the grade crossing include intersections where a STOP or YIELD sign is installed downstream of the grade crossing, where there is a downstream circular intersection, or where there is a pre-signal installed at the grade crossing.

Guidance. The R8-8 sign, if used, should be located on the right-hand side of the highway on either the near or far side of the grade crossing, depending upon which position provides better visibility to approaching drivers.

Option. DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS signs may be placed on both sides of the track.

On divided highways and one-way streets, a second DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS sign may be placed on the near or far left-hand side of the highway at the grade crossing to further improve the visibility of the sign.

913.2.8 STOP HERE ON RED Signs (R10-6) (MUTCD Section 8B.10)

R10-6

Support. The STOP HERE ON RED (R10-6) sign defines and facilitates observance of stop lines at traffic control signals.

Option. STOP HERE ON RED signs may be used at locations where motor vehicles frequently violate the stop line or where it is not obvious to road users where to stop.

Guidance. If possible, stop lines should be placed at a point where the motor vehicle driver has adequate sight distance along the track.

913.2.9 EXEMPT Grade Crossing Plaques (R15-3P and W10-1aP) (MUTCD Section 8B.11)

R15-3P

Option. Where authorized by MoDOT Multimodal Division (Rail Section), an EXEMPT (R15-3P) plaque with a white background may be used below the Crossbuck sign or Number of Tracks plaque, if present, at the grade crossing, and an EXEMPT (W10-1aP) plaque with a fluorescent yellow background may be used below the Grade Crossing Advance Warning (W10-1 through W10-4) sign.

Where neither the Crossbuck sign nor the advance warning signs exist for a particular highway-LRT grade crossing, an EXEMPT (R15-3P) plaque with a white background may be placed on its own post on the near right-hand side of the approach to the crossing.

Support. These plaques inform drivers of motor vehicles carrying passengers for hire, school buses carrying students, or motor vehicles carrying hazardous materials that a stop is not required at certain designated grade crossings, except when rail traffic is approaching or occupying the grade crossing, or the driver’s view is blocked.

913.2.10 Light Rail Transit Only Lane Signs (R15-4 Series) (MUTCD Section 8B.12)

Support. Reserved for future use. R15-4 Series signs are not currently used on MoDOT facilities.

913.2.11 Do Not Pass Light Rail Transit Signs (R15-5 and R15-5a) (MUTCD Section 8B.13)

Support. Reserved for future use. R15-5 and R15-5a signs are not currently used on MoDOT facilities.

913.2.12 No Motor Vehicles On Tracks Signs (R15-6 and R15-6a) (MUTCD Section 8B.14)

Support. Reserved for future use. R15-6 and R15-6a signs are not currently used on MoDOT facilities.

913.2.13 Divided Highway with Light Rail Transit Crossing Signs (R15-7 Series) (MUTCD Section 8B.15)

Support. Reserved for future use. R15-7 Series signs are not currently used on MoDOT facilities.

913.2.14 Low Ground Clearance Grade Crossing Sign (W10-5) (MUTCD Section 8B.16)

W10-5

W10-5P

Guidance. If the highway profile conditions are sufficiently abrupt to create a hang-up situation for long wheelbase vehicles or for trailers with low ground clearance, the Low Ground Clearance Grade Crossing (W10-5) sign should be installed in advance of the grade crossing.

Standard. Because this symbol might not be readily recognizable by the public, the Low Ground Clearance Grade Crossing (W10-5) warning sign shall be accompanied by a LOW GROUND CLEARANCE (W10-5P) educational plaque. The LOW GROUND CLEARANCE educational plaque shall remain in place for at least 3 years after the initial installation of the W10-5 sign (see EPG 903.1.9).

Guidance. Because other vehicle types and combinations also face the potential risk of hanging up at a grade crossing, word message warning signs and selective exclusion regulatory signs (see EPG 903.2.36) for specific vehicle types and combinations should be used in addition to, or in place of, the Low Ground Clearance Grade Crossing (W10-5) sign.

Support. While not all inclusive, some potential low ground clearance vehicles and combinations include single-unit trucks, buses, motor coaches, low-boy trailers, car carriers, and recreational vehicles.

Guidance. Auxiliary plaques such as AHEAD, NEXT CROSSING, or USE NEXT CROSSING (with appropriate arrows), or a supplemental distance plaque should be placed below the W10-5 sign at the nearest intersecting highway where a vehicle can detour or at a point on the highway wide enough to permit a U-turn.

If engineering judgment of roadway geometric and operating conditions confirms that motor vehicle speeds across the tracks should be below the posted speed limit, a W13-1P advisory speed plaque should be posted.

A signed detour should be installed to guide potential hang-up vehicles to alternate nearby crossings to avoid the potential hang-up condition.

Support. Information on ground clearance requirements at grade crossings is available in the 2019 edition of the “American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association’s Engineering Manual,” or in “A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets,” 2018 Edition, AASHTO.

An inventory of crossings with low ground clearance concerns, including a list of potential vehicle types that could hang up on the crossing, can be useful in tracking locations of low ground clearance crossings. Specific geometric conditions, known incidents, or anecdotal evidence of vehicle hang-ups can also be used to identify crossings with low ground clearance concerns.

913.2.15 NO TRAIN HORN Sign or Plaque (W10-9P) (MUTCD Section 8B.20)

W10-9P

Standard. A NO TRAIN HORN (W10-9P) plaque shall be installed in each direction at each highway-rail grade crossing where a Quiet Zone has been established in compliance with 49 CFR Part 222. Where it is used, a W10-9P plaque shall supplement and be mounted directly below the Grade Crossing Advance Warning (W10-1 through W10-4) sign.

913.2.16 Emergency Notification System Sign (I13-1) (MUTCD Section 8B.27)

I13-1

Support. Emergency Notification Signs (I-13) are installed by the Railroad that operates through the crossing.

Standard. The Emergency Notification System (I13-1) sign shall be installed on each approach at all highway-rail grade crossings, and at all highway-LRT grade crossings with automatic gates or flashing light-signals, to provide information to road users so that they can notify the railroad company or transit agency about emergencies or malfunctioning traffic control devices.

At a highway-rail grade crossing, the Emergency Notification System sign shall, at a minimum, include the USDOT grade crossing inventory number and the emergency contact telephone number.

Where Emergency Notification System signs are used at a highway-LRT grade crossing, they shall, at a minimum, include a unique crossing identifier and the emergency contact telephone number.

The minimum width of the Emergency Notification System sign shall be 12 inches and the minimum height shall be 9 inches. The lettering on Emergency Notification System signs for the telephone number, the grade crossing inventory number, and the explanation of the purpose of the sign shall be composed of numerals and upper-case letters that are at least 1 inch in height.

Emergency Notification System signs shall be retroreflective.

Except as provided in the Option paragraph below, Emergency Notification System signs shall have a white legend and border on a blue background.

Option. The seven-character grade crossing inventory number may be shown on the sign as a black legend on a white rectangular background.

Guidance. Except as provided in the first Option paragraph below, Emergency Notification System signs should be attached to the Crossbuck Assemblies or grade crossing signal masts on the right-hand side of each roadway approach to the grade crossing rather than on the railroad or LRT signal control equipment housings. Emergency Notification System signs should be oriented so the face of the sign is approximately parallel or approximately perpendicular to the edge of the roadway or pathway and is visible to road users or pathway users. The visibility of the Emergency Notification System sign should not be obstructed by automatic gates in either the vertical or horizontal position.

The Emergency Notification System signs should be positioned so as to not obstruct any traffic control devices or limit the view of rail traffic approaching the grade crossing.

Emergency Notification System signs mounted on Crossbuck Assemblies or signal masts should only be large enough to provide the necessary contact information. Use of larger signs on Crossbuck Assemblies or signal masts that might obstruct the view of rail traffic or other motor vehicles should be avoided.

At station crossings, Emergency Notification System signs or information should be posted in a conspicuous location.

Option. Emergency Notification System signs may be located on a separate post. Where located on a separate post, the size of the Emergency Notification System sign may be increased for improved visibility.

Where the improvement of the conspicuity of an Emergency Notification System sign is desired, a solid yellow rectangular header panel with a legend of “NOTICE” in black letters may be used (see EPG 903.1.11).

Additional Emergency Notification System signs may be installed at a grade crossing.