Definition

Noun: A place where a railway line and a road cross each other at the same level. Safety barriers or signals are used to close the road to vehicles when a train is approaching or passing through.

Usage

The term "grade crossing" is used specifically to describe the physical intersection point. It is a standard term in North American English for this type of infrastructure. The primary concern at a grade crossing is safety, managed by gates, flashing lights, and bells.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The train had to slow down as it approached the busy grade crossing.
  • Drivers must always stop when the lights flash at a grade crossing.
  • The city plans to install new warning signals at the old grade crossing.

Advanced Usage

• "to be equipped with": Describes the safety features present at a crossing.
  • The new grade crossing is equipped with automatic gates and cameras.
• "to approach a grade crossing": Refers to the act of a vehicle or train nearing the intersection.
  • Always look both ways as you approach a grade crossing.

Variants and Related Words

• Level crossing (noun): The British English equivalent term for "grade crossing."
  • In the UK, you will see signs for a "level crossing."
• Railroad crossing (noun): A common synonym in American English, often used interchangeably with "grade crossing."
  • He waited at the railroad crossing for the long freight train to pass.

Synonyms

• Railroad crossing: An intersection of a railway and a road.
• Level crossing: The British term for the same infrastructure.

Related Phrases

• Grade separation (noun): The opposite concept, where a road and railway cross at different levels (using a bridge or tunnel) to avoid intersection.
  • To improve traffic flow, they replaced the grade crossing with a grade separation.

Noun

1. intersection of a railway and a road on the same level; barriers close road when trains pass