An automatic gate, when installed, serves as a supplement to an active warning device and, when indicating the approach of a train, must present toward approaching roadway traffic the aspect of a fully reflectorized red and white-striped arm equipped with red lights either being lowered or at rest in the horizontal position across the lanes used by traffic approaching the grade crossing. See part 8830.9901, subpart 5.
When used, crossing gates must extend over the traveled roadway within one foot (0.3 meter) of the roadway's center line or less to block the lanes used by traffic approaching the grade crossing.
A gate arm must be equipped with at least three red lamps arranged to shine in both directions along the roadway when the gate arm is in a 90-degree position with respect to the roadway. The gate arm, when in the raised position, must not obstruct or interfere with roadway traffic. The gate arm must be striped on both sides with 16-inch (400-millimeter) alternate diagonal reflectorized stripes of red and white. When in the horizontal position, the bottom of the gate arm must not be less than three feet and six inches (1.07 meters) or more than four feet and six inches (1.4 meters) above the crown of the roadway.
Minn. R. agency 175, ch. 8830, SIGNS, SIGNALS, OTHER SAFETY MEASURES, pt. 8830.1525
Statutory Authority: MS s 218.071; 219.073; 219.165; 219.17; 219.384; 222.50; 222.58; 222.63