There are a wide variety of crossing treatments that will improve crossing safety and may help mitigate blocked crossings. However, the costs of these treatments may vary greatly depending on the specific physical and operating characteristics of a crossing. The chart below provides a list of some of the common infrastructure improvements that reduce the risk of a crossing collision occurring. It also provides typical cost ranges and estimated risk reductions for the improvements.
| Improvement | Estimated cost range* | Effectiveness** |
|---|---|---|
| No signs to passive (crossbuck assembly) | $500 to $1500 | 25% |
| Passive to flashing lights | $120,000 to $250,000 | 64% |
| Passive to flashing lights with gates | $150,000 to $300,000 | 88% |
| Flashing lights to flashing lights with gates | $150,000 to $250,000 | 44% |
| Flashing lights with gates to 4 quadrant gate system | $250,000 to $500,000 | 82% |
| Flashing lights with gates to flashing lights with gates and medians | $30,000 and up depending on construction and right-of-way acquisition | 80% |
| Flashing lights with gates to flashing lights with gates and channelization | $15,000 | 75% |
| Grade separation | $5M - $40M | 100% |
| Closure | $25,000 to $100,000 | 100% |
* Based on 2015 dollars.
** The effectiveness of a treatment refers to the expected reduction in the number of highway-railway collisions at a location. It does not reflect a reduction in the severity of collisions or a reduction in the number of fatalities.