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A channelized crossing consists of a more normal 2 gate crossing; each gate positioned tostop vehicles from entering the crossing on either side of the tracks, and a barrier strip perpendicular to the track between opposing traffic lanes. The barrier must be of sufficient length and height, that it prevents vehicles from going around the gates when they are in the closed position. In other words the vehicles are held captive in the channel until the gates open. Channelized crossings have a cost much closer to that of a regular crossing. Crossings with one-way traffic probably would not need special gates at all, since a single gate can easily block the entire road way and there is no opposing vehicular traffic. In fact, whenever a signal controlled intersection is near a crossing and feeds traffic to that crossing, that signal is can be tied into the railroad signaling system. The signal will give preference to the train over road vehicles and is used to prohibit feeding traffic to the crossing when the gates are down. This couldalsobe an important part of some crossing deesigns. So, the upshot is: the cost of crossings for a hornless system may be much less costly than previously estimated if channelized crossings can be used. Also, regardless of who pays for a hornless railroad crossings within their city limits, the city is responsible for applying for a hornless permit from the FRA. The actual design of each crossing in the town will be scored by the FRA by way of a safety evaluation process. A hornless permit will be granted or denied based on the evaluation. Hornless permits must be renewed periodically by the town. (I think it is every five years.) In my opinion the hornless crossing must be designed with the design cooperation of the railroad due to the detailed tie-ins required between the railroad communications and signaling system. - If you'd like to read the rules for Hornless Crossings, see the 103 page: 49 CFR Parts 222 & 229, "Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway Rail Grade Crossings. Interim Final Rule 12/18/2003 Now, let's get back to basics. I suggest that the county needs to take a step back for a minute and look at the overall situation. The railroad company has a mission to build the railroad as fast as it can at the lowest possible cost so it can begin revenue service. As you may have seen, any requests that don't fit within these parameters are summarily dismissed. This is not intended to be a criticism of the railroad's methods of operation. It is just a fact. The county has a mission to do the best job it can to protect its citizens and minimize the impacts on the residents' quality of life while doing the best job to provide for their safety. Therefore, the railroad's mission and the county's mission are not necessarily the same. 173.ti SmeadSoft Reprint Date: Wednesday, December 14,2016 11:57:32 BCC 1825, Attachment Id 1, Page 183 4G.7? L19 V41 "19"Scist"I J"316cr, 1 vu"e a uI