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

7  Road geometry, surfacing and lighting

7.8  Lighting

The safety of controlled level crossings at night typically relies on the driver of a motor vehicle identifying the flashing red signals, bells and/or barrier arm at the level crossing. At uncontrolled level crossings, the headlight of the approaching train provides the cue to the driver to stop. None of these features used by motorists is significantly enhanced by the provision of road lighting and, for that reason, road lighting is not a requirement for a level crossing.

However, road lighting may sometimes help bring to the attention of drivers the presence of a level crossing that may otherwise have been missed. In particular, section 3.5.2 b (ii) of the road lighting standard AS/NZS 1158.1.1:2005 Main street lighting: Lighting for road and public spaces Part 1.1 Vehicular traffic (category V) lighting: Performance and design requirements refers to a method of lighting known as flag lighting, where an intersection is highlighted by the provision of one or two strategically placed luminaires. This technique may be applied at some level crossings and would likely lead to a luminaire being placed on each approach to the level crossing within 20 m of the level crossing.

At level crossings where a specific night-time safety problem has been identified, road lighting could form part of the mix of measures designed to overcome identified deficiencies. Care would need to be taken to ensure that glare was tightly controlled and that the presence of the lighting did not itself impede other visual tasks.

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