Level Crossing Dangers

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16811, 1 June 1926, Page 9

Level Crossing Dangers

AUTOMATIC BARRIERS AND LIGHTS. AMERICA, where railway level crossing disasters have been numerous, is making strenuous efforts to solve ihc problem of the level crossing danger, and her latest effort appears to be successful. The device has been erected at a hitherto dangerous crossing near Racine, Wisconsin, and consists of a double barrier designed, on the approach of a train, to arrest the progress of the oncoming car with or without the assistance of the driver. The first barrier is a long wooden arm attached to a stout high upright, from which descends thin, flexible steel cables cased in bamboo; when a train is due the arm swings across the road, an illuminated 6i'gn, "Train coining," is visible, and, should the careless motorist drive heedlessly on, the bamboo rods strike the windscreen and top of the car, thus giving the necessary warning. Should the driver still be unwilling or unable to pull up, there is a second barrier, consisting of three flexible steel cables enveloping a braking action set in heavy posts fixed in concrete. When the way is clear these cables are held aloft, but when a train is signalled they descend and stretch across the road to detain the vehicle forcibly until train has gone past.

The position of these barriers is indicated to the oncoming train by means of the cables. Should the barrierbe down and the way for the train clear, a green light is shown, while a red light indicates that something is wrong.

Each train operates the working of the barriers by the usual methods of track circuits used for all signals, and when a mile away automatically sets the barriers in motion, at the same time sounding a loud gong and lighting up the signal. This device is, of course, equally efficacious by day or night, and even in dense fog.

The barriers have been subjected to severe tests, and so far have emerged triumphant. A loaded lorry was brought safely to a standstill without- the brakes being applied, and a racing car going at 60 miles an hour was gradually stopped without injur}' to the vehicle or shock to its occupants.

The barriers are painted in the most striking and arresting colours, and everything about them is designed to aipact the eye of the approaching driver and render more drastic action necessary.