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Last month, Burlington Northern Santa Fe finished installing "Idaho Shields" at 150 grade crossings in New Mexico, completing a three-year project.


New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department (NMSHTD) developed the project with BNSF to install the shields at crossings fitted only with passive warning devices.


Idaho Shields, which are place under existing crossbuck blades, are designed to warn motorists in both directions by reflecting light from oncoming vehicles and approaching trains back to motorists.


NMSHTD paid for the installations, and will fund any replacement and maintenance costs.


BNSF and the state of New Mexico plan to monitor the crossings for five years to determine if the shields help reduce accidents.