Why can long freight trains clear the crossings faster?
• First of all, trains are operated under rigid speed restrictions that are monitored very closely by the railroads and regulatory agencies. Most freight trains probably average a mile in length. If the train is traveling 50 to 60 MPH, it only takes about a minute to clear the crossing. At 30 MPH, it still only takes two minutes to clear. It only seems longer when you’re in a hurry. Freight trains are made up that long because it’s more efficient. A long train actually means there will be fewer trains to occupy the crossing.
