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Today, I talked to the Scott Magruder, Public Information Officer of the Nevada DOT, and received some preliminary information.  He said that, including the crossing of the 6/24 crash, they have five grade crossings in the state that are on 65 and 70 mph roads, and host fast passenger trains.  In the wake of the crash, they are looking at ways to improve the safety of all five crossings, and particularly the crossing at the crash site.   <o:p></o:p> They are considering lowering the speed limit to 55 mph or lower in the vicinity of the crossings in conjunction with signage explaining that the speed reduction is due the crossing danger.  They acknowledge a downside to lowering the speed limit, in that it creates a rear-end collision hazard.    <o:p></o:p> They are also considering adding some type of advance warning lights, either as an alternative to lowering the speed limit or in conjunction with it.  They see the ultimate solution as building a bridge, but they consider it to be cost-prohibitive.  It is also possible that the state will decide to do nothing with the five crossings.  Mr. Magruder did not know when the state will announce their intentions regarding their review of these crossings.   <o:p></o:p> According to information published in the news coverage of this crash, Mr. Magruder is quoted as saying that this crossing signal warning is visible from 2000 feet, which meets the national standard.  I mentioned that the highway makes an angle change of 30 degrees about 900 feet south of the crossing, and asked him if the signals are capable of projecting a visual warning for 2000 feet despite that angle change of the highway.  He said that was a good question, but he did not have the answer.  Others in their organization can provide the answer to that question.  <o:p></o:p> He also informed me that there is no legal requirement to slow down for the crossing if no trains are approaching and the signals are not activated.  Crossing at the 70 mph is permissible.  He also mentioned that speeding on that highway is very common, and that the public is constantly pressuring the legislature to raise the speed limit.  The road is flat with few visual obstructions, and relatively little traffic.  These characteristics combined with the large sense of open space, make most drivers feel that 70 mph is too slow.
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