RR sign meaning

[Anonymous]

There is a spur line, that for the last 8 yrs I have lived here seemed to be abandoned. I noticed, in both the east and west bound lanes of the paved road, a small sign app. 15 meters from the rail that simply reads "EXEMPT". Does anyone know what that might mean, or where I might find out. I was cruising along one night and noticed the lights flashing and bells ringing and thought there had been a malfunction ( I didn't think the equipment even still worked, let alone would be triggered by a train) when I rolled up to the rails there sat a train about 5-6 meters from the pavement behind a building. I was amazed at the number of people that didn't even slow down as they crossed. (Like I said I had not seen a train on this rail in the 8 yrs I have been traveling the road, furthermore, nature had reclaimed the soil beneath the ties as the vegetation nearly covered all of the exposed ties and rocks.) I digress. I wondered if the "EXEMPT" signage had anything to do with the fact that the rr lay barren for so many years?

[wallywalkabout]

EXEMPT usually indicates that the track is either abandoned, or that trains crossing that road will "flag the crossing". EXEMPT means that, vehicles that are usually required by law or by their insurance carrier, to come to a complete stop before crossing are "Exempt" from coming to a complete stop before crossing. Examples of vehicles that may be "Exempt" are a school bus and/or a gasoline/propane truck. Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

It certainly does. I kind of suspected that but I can't rely on my "hunches" to get the real scoope. Thanks!