BOISE, Idaho — Crews will soon be making changes to certain railroad crossing signs throughout the state, according to the Idaho Transportation Department.
“Traditional red stop signs are being replaced with yield signs at certain crossings -- to be consistent with the signage at railroad crossings in the rest of the United States,” said ITD spokesman Adam Rush.
“We want to make sure drivers are aware of this change taking place at railroad crossings. They should exercise caution, obey the speed limit, and be prepared to stop if a train is approaching,” added ITD Traffic Engineer Kevin Sablan.
The stop signs are being replaced at crossings that are defined as “passive.” These crossings do not have safety features -- such as flashing red lights or a crossing gate -- that block the approach to railroad tracks.
The switch from stop signs to yield signs is being done by the railroad company that owns the rail line. Railroad companies are working to complete the sign change at crossings by the end of December.
Idaho has over 1,450 railroad crossings in urban and rural areas. Out of those, 865 will be impacted by the sign change, Rush said.
(photo courtesy: ITD)
