Rail/Light Rail

Level crossings

It is important to know the traffic signs that indicate the different types of level crossings. The following table shows the different signs and what you must do when you see them.

Level crossing signs	What you must do
	Level crossing ahead, guarded by gates or lifting barriers	Stop clear of the railway line so you have a good view along the track in both directions. Look for the approach of trains. In fog or at night, watch for the light of an approaching train. Listen for the horn or the sound of an approaching train. See that both gates are open before starting to cross or wait for all barriers to go back up before moving on. Close both gates after you cross. Obey any other instructions signposted at the crossing.
	Level crossing ahead, unguarded by gates or lifting barriers	As a train approaches, two red lights will start flashing. Nothing else protects this crossing. If the lights are flashing as you approach the crossing, you must stay behind the stop line or, if there is no stop line, stay behind the flashing red lights. Wait to see if a second train is coming. You will know this if the sign "SECOND TRAIN COMING" (below the light board) is lit up.
	Level crossing ahead with lights and barriers	The light at this crossing is usually steady and amber. As a train approaches, two red lights start to flash in turn and warning bells sound. Stop clear of the railway crossing. Never try to zigzag around the barriers. Wait for all barriers to go back up before moving on.

Level crossing signs

What you must do

Rail sign, black tracks on yellow background.

Level crossing ahead, guarded by gates or lifting barriers

Stop clear of the railway line so you have a good view along the track in both directions.
Look for the approach of trains. In fog or at night, watch for the light of an approaching train.
Listen for the horn or the sound of an approaching train.
See that both gates are open before starting to cross or wait for all barriers to go back up before moving on.
Close both gates after you cross.
Obey any other instructions signposted at the crossing.

an X across tracks indicates a level crossing

Level crossing ahead, unguarded by gates or lifting barriers

As a train approaches, two red lights will start flashing. Nothing else protects this crossing.

If the lights are flashing as you approach the crossing, you must stay behind the stop line or, if there is no stop line, stay behind the flashing red lights.
Wait to see if a second train is coming. You will know this if the sign "SECOND TRAIN COMING" (below the light board) is lit up.

A level crossing sign with Red lights accompanied to indicate a junction

Level crossing ahead with lights and barriers

The light at this crossing is usually steady and amber. As a train approaches, two red lights start to flash in turn and warning bells sound.
Stop clear of the railway crossing.
Never try to zigzag around the barriers.
Wait for all barriers to go back up before moving on.

Other types of level crossings include:

attended gated crossings, and
unattended crossings with barriers that extend over the full width of the road.

Road vehicles risk hitting level crossing gates, barriers and trains, so you must approach level crossings with care and be able to come to a stop in front of the gates or barriers.

If your vehicle breaks down or gets stuck on a level crossing:

make sure that everybody gets out and gets clear of the railway line, and
use the phone provided by Iarnród Éireann or warn of the danger immediately as best you can.

REMEMBER You must not trespass onto a railway line. It is highly dangerous.