913.3 Markings (MUTCD Chapter 8C)
913.3.1 Purpose and Application (MUTCD Section 8C.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 pavement 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 620 are applicable to the design and location of pavement markings at grade crossings.
913.3.2 Grade Crossing Pavement Markings (MUTCD Section 8C.02)
Standard. On paved roadways, grade crossing pavement markings shall consist of an X, the letters RR, a no-passing zone marking (on two-lane, two-way highways with center line markings in compliance with EPG 620.2.1, and certain transverse lines as shown with detailed dimensions in Figures 913.3.2.1 and 913.3.2.2.
Except as provided in the following two paragraphs, grade crossing pavement markings shall be placed in each approach lane on all paved approaches to highway-rail grade crossings where signals or automatic gates are located, and at all other grade crossings where the posted or statutory highway speed is 40 mph or higher.
Grade crossing pavement markings shall not be required at highway-rail grade crossings where the posted or statutory highway speed is less than 40 mph if the Diagnostic Team determines that other installed devices provide suitable warning and control.
Grade crossing pavement markings shall not be required at highway-rail grade crossings in urban areas if the Diagnostic Team determines that other installed devices provide suitable warning and control.
Grade crossing pavement markings shall be placed in each approach lane on all paved approaches to highway-LRT grade crossings where a Crossbuck sign is placed at the grade crossing.
If grade crossing pavement markings are used on a multi-lane approach to a grade crossing, identical markings shall be placed in each approach lane that crosses the tracks.
All grade crossing pavement markings shall be retroreflective white. All other markings shall be in accordance with EPG 620.
Guidance. Where grade crossing pavement markings are used, a portion of the X symbol should be directly opposite the Grade Crossing Advance Warning sign.
Option. Where determined by the Diagnostic Team, supplemental pavement marking symbol(s) may be placed between the Grade Crossing Advance Warning sign and the grade crossing.
Guidance. If supplemental pavement marking symbol(s) are placed between the Grade Crossing Advance Warning sign and the grade crossing, the downstream transverse line should be at least 50 feet upstream from the stop or yield line at the grade crossing.
913.3.3 Stop and Yield Lines (MUTCD Section 8C.03)
Guidance. On paved roadway approaches to passive grade crossings where a STOP sign is installed in conjunction with the Crossbuck sign, a stop line should be installed to indicate the point behind which motor vehicles are required to stop or as near to that point as practicable.
Option. On paved roadway approaches to passive grade crossings where a YIELD sign is installed in conjunction with the Crossbuck sign, a yield line (see EPG 620.2.18) or a stop line may be installed to indicate the point behind which motor vehicles are required to yield or stop or as near to that point as practicable.
Guidance. If a yield line (see Figure 620.2.18) or stop line is used at a passive grade crossing, it should be a transverse line at a right angle to the traveled way and should be placed no closer than 15 feet in advance of the nearest rail.
Standard. On paved roadways at grade crossings that are equipped with active control devices such as flashing-light signals, automatic gates, or traffic control signals, a stop line (see EPG 620.2.18) shall be installed to indicate the point behind which motor vehicles are or might be required to stop.
Guidance. If a stop line is used at an active grade crossing where road users are controlled by flashing-light signals, it should be a transverse line at a right angle to the traveled way and should be placed approximately 8 feet in advance of the flashing-light signals or automatic gate (if present), whichever is farther from the track(s), but no closer than 15 feet in advance of the nearest rail (see Figure 913.3.2.1).
If a stop line is used at an active grade crossing where road users are controlled by a traffic control signal, it should be a transverse line at a right angle to the traveled way and should be placed no closer than 15 feet in advance of the nearest rail.
Standard. If a stop line is used at an active grade crossing where road users are controlled by a traffic control signal, it shall be placed such that the lateral and longitudinal positions of the signal faces for the approach comply with the provisions of EPG 902.4.7 and 902.4.8.
913.3.4 Lane-Use Arrow Markings (MUTCD Section 8C.04)
Standard. Lane-use arrow markings (see EPG 620.2.22) that indicate that a turning movement must be made or is permitted to be made from a lane that crosses a grade crossing shall not be placed between the stop line for the grade crossing and the track(s).
Guidance. Lane-use arrow markings that indicate that a turning movement must be made or is permitted to be made from a lane that crosses a grade crossing should not be placed less than 100 feet upstream from the stop line for the grade crossing or less than 20 feet beyond the farthest rail.
913.3.5 Edge Lines, Lane Lines, Center Lines, Raised Pavement Markers, and Tubular Markers (MUTCD Section 8C.05)
Guidance. Except as provided in the first three Option paragraphs below, if edge lines (see EPG 620.2.10), lane lines (see EPG 620.2.7), or center lines (see EPG 620.2.1) are used on an approach to a grade crossing, the edge lines, lane lines, and center lines should extend up to and across the grade crossing to reduce the likelihood that road users might inadvertently turn into the track area.
If crossing surface maintenance or highway approach maintenance is performed that alters the markings, the removal or replacement of the markings, raised pavement markers, and/or tubular markers should be coordinated with the road authority and the railroad company or transit agency.
Option. Edge lines, lane lines, and center lines may be omitted on or between the rails to conform to the requirements of the railroad company and/or transit agency.
Edge lines, lane lines, and center lines may be omitted on or between the rails where the highway profile is sufficiently abrupt to create a hang-up situation for pavement marking equipment with low ground clearance.
The edge lines, lane lines, and center lines may be omitted from the highway surface at a grade crossing if the surface cannot retain the application of the edge line, lane line, or center line marking.
If recommended by a Diagnostic Team, tubular markers (see EPG 620.8.2) may be used to supplement the edge lines that extend up to and across the grade crossing.
Guidance. Tubular markers should be installed in accordance with the clearance requirements of the railroad company and/or transit agency.
Standard. The color under both daytime and nighttime conditions of raised pavement markers or tubular markers that are used at a grade crossing shall be the same color as the edge line, lane line, or center line that they supplement.