Am going to echo what Number 90 said.. but to further drive home whom is responsible.
Background: Counties, townships, et al.. are responsible for when /where there are railroad crossings.
By law, railroads have to allow private land-owners to have access to their land, if there is no other obvious access (hence private rail crossings), railroads have to allow access to private land.
Counties, townships, states (et al) .. have the authority to determine how /what is used at each road crossing to alert their citizens. As an example, here in Texas, numerous communities have opted for no-horn rail crossings. They submit the paperwork to FRA (or STB.. I forget which).. to tell the railroad that they don't want any horns.
The other background for the above is: Railroads do not have control over the traffic flow on roads and highways. They are "often un-ware" that suburbs that were once at 1 thousand population, are now at 31 K. The railroad's notification of increased traffic is usually when the municipality wants to expand the crossing from 2 lanes to 4 lanes (as an example).
Railroads, if there are road crossings with crossing warnings (bells and crossing guards) , have to keep in check the "approved track speeds vs. advance of warning bells"
Anyway, rail crossings are the responsibility of the municipalities that the line goes through. As previously mentioned, the municipalities can choose to close the grade crossing, set crossing guards (bells & or crossing guard arms).. or in some cases build a way around it. In addition, pedestrians crossing are addressed in the same manner.
I know that it frustrating and horrifying for all involved, when there are train/pedestrian and train/vehicle accidents. Where I live, we have been saddened several times because teenagers on their way to/from school.. try to beat a train.
I don't have the answers either.
Merle
