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

Two-thirds are people walking on the tracks; one-third are motorists and others at grade crossings.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We’ve got so many grade crossings in the country,” Little said.

From Seattle Times

“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

The railroads could then enclose a Sodo train base and remove a busy grade crossing from the regional mainline.

From Seattle Times

The Federal Railroad administration later urged proper training, oversight and crew communication at highway–railroad grade crossings.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

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