grade crossing

American  

noun

1. an intersection of a railroad track and another track, a road, etc., at the same level.

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grade crossing British  

noun

1. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): level crossing.  a point at which a railway and a road cross, esp one with barriers that close the road when a train is scheduled to pass

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Etymology

Origin of grade crossing

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

“We continue to invest in grade crossing safety by maintaining crossings, working to help develop public service campaigns and educational resources and investing in new technologies,” the railroad said in a Wednesday statement.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 3, 2023

The FRA last year ordered 40 states and the District to implement highway-rail grade crossing action plans, while requiring 10 states that already had developed plans to report how they are implementing them.

From Washington Post • Oct. 1, 2021

The deal includes $22 billion in “grants” for Amtrak, another $24 billion specifically for the Northeast Corridor, and another $20 billion for intercity service, safety grants, and grade crossing improvements.

From Slate • Jul. 30, 2021

“It’s not your typical grade crossing accident,” he said at a briefing at the scene late Tuesday.

From Washington Times • Feb. 25, 2015

"Eighty—miles—an—hour," says Bullard, close to my ear, and a moment later pulls the rope for a grade crossing.

From Careers of Danger and Daring by Moffett, Cleveland

Related Words

• bridge
• crossroad
• intersection
• junction
• overpass
• passage