Section 1535.310  Advance Warning Signs and Pavement Markings

a)         Railroad Advance Warning Signs

1)         The railroad advance warning sign as set forth in MUTCD Section 8B.04 and MUTCD Figure 8B-2 shall be used in advance of every railroad grade crossing, whether marked by crossbucks or equipped with active warning devices, except in the following instances:

A)        At a minor siding or spur which is infrequently used and which is guarded by a member of the train crew when in use.

B)        In the business districts of cities where the crossings are equipped with active warning devices and the physical conditions are such that even a partially effective display of the sign is impossible.

2)         In rural areas advance warning signs shall be located from 400 to 700 feet in advance of the grade crossing on each side thereof, said distance to be governed by prevailing speed of vehicular traffic.

3)         On a divided highway, it may be desirable to erect a supplemental sign on the left of the roadway.  In residential or business districts where low speeds are prevalent, the sign may be placed a minimum distance of 100 feet from the crossing.  If there is a street intersection within 100 feet, an additional sign or signs should be so placed as to warn traffic approaching the crossing from each intersected street.

b)         Unless otherwise specifically ordered by the Commission, advance warning signs at crossings are to be furnished, installed, maintained and replaced by and at the expense of the public authority having the duty of maintaining such signs along said highway.

c)         Advance warning signs hereafter installed near or at crossings, either as replacements or as new or additional signs, shall be of the reflector type and shall conform as to type, aspect and color with MUTCD Section 8B.04 and MUTCD Figure 8B-2.

d)         The public authority having the duty of maintaining the approach to a grade crossing is required, where practicable, to place pavement markings consisting of a cross and the letters "R.R." in accordance with current applicable standards.

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20376, effective December 15, 2005)