Automatic half-barrier level crossing

nounStandard termRailroad

A road crossing protected by gates that only block the approaching lanes of vehicle traffic.

A railway grade crossing equipped with automated warning lights and physical barrier arms that lower over the oncoming traffic lanes, leaving the exit lanes open. This design prevents vehicles from being trapped on the tracks if the barriers drop while they are crossing, though it relies on drivers not swerving into the wrong lane to bypass the lowered gates.

Heard on the job

The signal maintainer is out checking the relays at the automatic half-barrier level crossing on County Road 4.