Part 9: Level crossings

Last updated: December 2008. This document ceases to be a controlled document when printed. Please refer to the current version at www.landtransport.govt.nz

12  Requirements for tramway level crossings

12.2  Tramway level crossings

The Railways Act 2005 definition of a level crossing (see section 2.2) excludes ‘a railway line on a road that is intended solely for the use of light rail vehicles’. This means a tramway running along a road or across a road is not legally a level crossing. Thus, a tramway on a roadway crossing another roadway is not legally a level crossing, though it may well have controls such as Give Way or Stop signs or traffic signals. In these cases, the normal traffic rules for giving way and complying with signals applies to all traffic, including any tram.

12.2.1  Passive control

Where a tramway has right-of-way and a level crossing does not warrant active control, the level crossing Stop (RPX2) or Give Way (RPX3) assembly with the Tramway crossbuck (WXT or WXT1) should be used. The approach warning signs would include ‘tram’ (WX2R or WX2L) signs rather than ‘steam train’ (WX1R or WX1L) signs.

12.2.2  Active control

Where a tramway has right-of-way and the right to maintain full line speed, active warning systems should be of the railway type (ie flashing lights and bells and, if necessary, barrier arms), with control systems with appropriate integrity levels.

Where the tramway does not have right-of-way, standard road traffic signals should be used.

The Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices 2004 provides for red, yellow and white ‘T’ aspect signals where trams have a specific phase or may be permitted movements that other traffic facing the signal display do not.

Where trams are controlled by traffic signals, the signs normally associated with level crossings (ie those described in section 4) must not be used.

12.2.3  Overhead wires

Tramway overhead wires generally operate at low voltages (500–600 V DC) and represent a lower risk than electrified main line railway voltages (operating at 1 500 V DC or 25 kV AC). Installation of the low overhead clearance (RJ2E) assembly in advance of tramway lines may therefore be less critical. The assembly should be used when the tramway overhead wires are lower than 5.0 m (normally 5.5–6.0 m) or where there may be a risk of damage from over-height vehicles (eg in an environment where there are no other overhead wires).

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