1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose
This document entitled Part 9 Level crossings is part of a suite of guidelines within the Traffic control devices manual (TCD Manual) prepared by the NZ Transport Agency. The document is intended to provide best practice guidance on the use of traffic control devices related to level crossings to both road and rail practitioners. In particular, it builds on the specifications for approved signs, markings and other traffic control devices approved or mandated for use in New Zealand as set down in the Traffic control devices specifications.
While the main intent of the document is to provide guidance on the use of traffic control devices, it also provides some guidance on operational policies affecting traffic movement across level crossings and activity (such as road works) on or adjacent to level crossings. In addition, it briefly describes some relevant duties and responsibilities of rail access providers, rail operators, road controlling authorities, adjacent landowners and users.
1.2 Level crossings
All level crossings must be protected through the use of appropriate traffic control devices. The devices installed will depend on a range of factors including:
- level crossing type
- volume and speed of rail and road traffic
- mix of road and rail traffic using the level crossing
- alignment of the approaches to the level crossing
- other physical attributes of the level crossing and its surrounds.
1.3 Scope of document
This document describes traffic control devices used to control and warn traffic at and in advance of level crossings. It specifies the way in which these devices are used to achieve the level of control required for the safety of rail traffic and all road users. It also gives requirements and guidelines on the selection of an appropriate device and on their location and installation.
