Railroad crossings and work zones

Key points

1. There is usually a round warning sign before a railroad crossing; slow down and prepare to stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 86

   “There is usually a round warning sign before a railroad crossing. When you see this sign, slow down and prepare to stop.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 86

2. The crossing itself is marked by a white crossbuck; the number of tracks may be posted below it.

   Source: Handbook p. 86

   “The point at which train tracks cross a road is marked with a white crossbuck sign. If more than one track crosses a road, the number of tracks is posted below the crossbuck.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 86

3. If crossing lights flash, stop at least 15 feet before the light post or gate.

   Source: Handbook p. 87

   “If the lights begin to flash, you must stop at least 15 feet before the light post or gate.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 87

4. Never drive around a lowered gate or ignore flashing lights, even if you see no train.

   Source: Handbook p. 87

   “Even if you do not see a train coming, never drive around a lowered gate or ignore the flashing lights.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 87

5. When approaching a work zone, the first thing to do is slow down.

   Source: Handbook p. 89

   “When approaching a work zone, the FIRST thing you must do is SLOW DOWN and look for guidance on how to safely travel through the area.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 89

6. Always obey a traffic officer, even over signs, signals or markings.

   Source: Handbook p. 87

   “You must always obey directions of a traffic officer, even when they overrule signs, signals, or pavement markings.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 87

7. Work zone devices direct traffic away from a closed lane; merge carefully into the next lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 88

   “are used to direct traffic away from a work area where the shoulder or travel lane is closed. they are usually lined up in an angular fashion to shift traffic from the beginning of a travel lane to the left or right. you should carefully merge into the adjacent travel lane when you see these devices in the roadway.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 88

8. Civil flaggers are typically used on low speed, low volume roads to control traffic around the work area.

   Source: Handbook p. 87

   “Civil Flaggers are typically used on low-speed, low-volume roadways to control traffic movement around the work area”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 87

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Massachusetts practice test

1. 1. What does the round yellow warning sign with a black X and RR tell a Massachusetts driver?

   
   1. A hospital is ahead
   2. A rotary is ahead
   3. A railroad crossing is ahead
   4. The road curves sharply
   Show answer

   A railroad crossing is ahead. The round yellow sign with the crossed X and the letters RR is the advance warning for a railroad crossing. It is posted before the tracks so you can slow, look and listen; the crossing itself is marked with the white crossbuck, and a small sign under the crossbuck gives the number of tracks when there is more than one. Rotaries and hospitals use different shapes and colors, and sharp curves are shown with an arrow. Treat the round sign as the cue to be ready to stop.

2. 2. Where does this white X-shaped crossbuck stand, and what does the small sign beneath it show when present?

   
   1. One mile before the crossing; the train speed
   2. At the point where the tracks cross the road; the number of tracks
   3. On the train; the railroad's name
   4. At the station; the schedule
   Show answer

   At the point where the tracks cross the road; the number of tracks. The crossbuck is mounted at the crossing itself, marking the exact point where train tracks cross the road. When more than one track crosses, the number of tracks is posted below the crossbuck, so you know how many sets of rails you must clear. Advance warning comes from the round sign posted before the crossing, not from the crossbuck. The manual also says the toll free Emergency Notification System number is located in the middle of the crossbuck or on a metal box near the crossing, for use if a vehicle is stuck on the tracks.

3. 3. What shape is the standard advance warning sign for a railroad crossing in Massachusetts?

   1. Round
   2. Octagonal
   3. Pentagonal
   4. Rectangular
   Show answer

   Round. In Massachusetts there is usually a round warning sign before a railroad crossing. When you see it, slow down and prepare to stop, and if you see or hear a train coming, do not speed up and try to beat the train to the crossing. The point where the tracks cross the road is marked with a white crossbuck sign, and if more than one track crosses, the number of tracks is posted below the crossbuck. A crossing may also have red flashing lights and a bell. Octagonal, pentagonal, and rectangular are not the shape the manual gives for this advance warning sign.

Source: the Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Chapter 4: Rules of the Road. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.