highway crossing

Intersection of a railroad and a road, with or without warning lights.

crossing gate mechanism

Box housing the mechanism that automatically lowers and raises the gate arm.

signal background plate

Plate that frames the signal lights to enhance their visibility.

counterweight

Mass that provides balance to the gate arm to facilitate its movement.

base

Bottom of the mast that is anchored to the ground.

gate arm support

Articulating bracket that lowers and raises the gate arm.

gate arm

Moving barrier that blocks the road to stop vehicles from crossing the tracks.

gate arm lamp

Flashing signal light that is activated as the gate arm is lowered.

number of tracks sign

Sign that displays the number of tracks the road crosses.

flashing light

Intermittent signal light that is activated automatically as the train approaches.

mast

Post that supports the crossing signs and signal lights.

junction box

Box that houses the electric wires used in the operation of the signal lights.

peep hole

Flashing signal light that is activated at the same time as the flashing lights to inform the engineer that the gate arm is lowered.

visor

Curved sheet of metal that enhances a signal light’s visibility by blocking sunlight.

crossbuck sign

Sign that marks the spot where a railroad crosses a road and signals to drivers on the road that they must yield to passing trains.

highway crossing bell

Metal sounding device that rings automatically as a train approaches.