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Earlier this week, Wisconsin became the first state to require railroads to install yield signs at crossbuck-only protected grade crossings, according to the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Railroads. On Wednesday, Gov. Jim Doyle signed into law Assembly Bill 512, which requires railroads operating in the state to install the signs by July 1, 2007.

The law mandates that railroads install a yield sign below the crossbuck sign at “passive” crossings or those not protected by gates, automatic signals or stop signs. Wisconsin officials expect the law to affect about 1,600 crossings — most of which are located in rural areas. Railroads are responsible for installing, maintaining and replacing the yield signs.

The law prohibits a motorist from driving a vehicle onto or across a yield-signed crossing if a train is approaching or occupies the crossing. A motorist that fails to comply with the law will be fined up to $1,000.

For more information on Wisconsin’s crossing safety strategy, see page 37 of Progressive Railroading’s January issue.