Railway crossing ahead
Railway crossing ahead - W318
Road Signs - W318
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Railway crossing ahead
Category:
Safety Sign Code:
- W318
Product Description
Railway Crossing Ahead – W318 Road Sign
The W318 Railway Crossing Ahead road sign is a warning sign used to alert drivers and other road users that a railway crossing is ahead.
The sign gives approaching road users advance information that the road will intersect with a railway line. This allows drivers to become more alert to the railway crossing, observe the road and railway environment carefully and respond to any applicable crossing controls.
W318 is particularly important where the railway crossing may not be immediately obvious to approaching drivers because of the road layout, surrounding buildings, vegetation, terrain or other visibility conditions.
What Does the W318 Road Sign Mean?
W318 means Railway Crossing Ahead. It warns road users that a railway crossing is ahead on the roadway.
W318 is an advance warning sign. It does not by itself tell a driver whether a train is approaching or whether the crossing is currently open or closed.
Drivers must respond to the actual railway-crossing conditions and obey all applicable signs, signals, barriers, road markings and other traffic controls.
What Is a Railway Crossing?
A railway crossing is a location where a roadway and railway line intersect and road users need to cross the railway track.
Railway crossings can have different types of protection and control arrangements. Depending on the crossing, these may include gates, booms, barriers, warning signals, road markings or other controls.
The W318 sign provides advance warning of the crossing itself. Additional signs and controls depend on the specific railway crossing arrangement.
Why Is the W318 Railway Crossing Sign Important?
Railway crossings can require drivers to interact with a different type of traffic environment, where trains and road vehicles use the same crossing point.
Advance warning helps drivers know that a railway crossing is ahead before they reach it.
This can encourage drivers to pay closer attention to the crossing, look for railway-control devices and be prepared to respond to the conditions at the crossing.
Where Is W318 Railway Crossing Ahead Used?
W318 is used in advance of railway crossings where road users need warning that a railway crossing is ahead.
It may be relevant on:
- Public roads approaching railway crossings
- Rural roads crossing railway lines
- Urban roads approaching railway crossings
- Industrial roads serving rail-connected facilities
- Roads approaching railway sidings or crossing environments
- Roadworks routes affected by temporary railway crossings
- Other roads where a railway crossing forms part of the route ahead
The exact application depends on the crossing arrangement, road environment and applicable road traffic sign requirements.
When Should W318 Be Used?
The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual states that W318 is used to warn road users that a railway crossing is ahead.
The sign should therefore be considered wherever drivers need advance warning of an approaching railway crossing.
Warning signs should be used according to the applicable road-sign criteria and should provide useful information to approaching road users rather than being installed unnecessarily.
W318 Sign Placement
W318 should be positioned in advance of the railway crossing hazard.
The SARTSM specifies that the sign should be located at the distance and size given in Table 3.1.
The general advance-warning distances depend on the operating speed of the road. Where the standard location does not provide adequate visibility, the warning sign may need to be moved further from the hazard in accordance with the applicable warning-sign provisions.
Typical W318 Advance-Warning Distances
The SARTSM general warning-sign table provides the following standard location distances for different operating speeds:
- 60 km/h: 120 m
- 80 km/h: 160 m
- 100 km/h: 240 m
- 120 km/h: 330 m
On gravel roads, the manual provides alternative distances in brackets for the applicable operating speeds.
The actual position should always be confirmed against the applicable road design, operating speed, visibility and responsible road authority requirements.
W318 and Additional Right-Hand Sign
The SARTSM states that an additional W318 sign may be displayed on the right-hand side of the roadway for extra emphasis.
This can be useful where additional visual emphasis is appropriate for the railway crossing warning.
The decision to provide an additional sign should take account of the road environment, visibility and applicable sign-placement requirements.
W318 at Railway Crossings with Gates, Booms or Barriers
Where a railway crossing has gates, booms or barriers, the SARTSM states that the W314 Gate warning sign should also be displayed.
This means that the railway crossing warning and the gate warning communicate two related conditions:
- W318: Railway Crossing Ahead
- W314: Gate Ahead
W318 warns about the railway crossing, while W314 warns road users that a gate, boom or barrier is associated with the crossing.
W314 and W318 Placement Relationship
When W314 is used together with W318 at a railway crossing with gates, booms or barriers, the SARTSM specifies that W314 should be located a distance of V metres in advance of W318.
In this requirement, V represents the operating speed in kilometres per hour.
For example, on an approach with an operating speed of 80 km/h, the V-distance relationship would be 80 m between the two warning signs, subject to the applicable site conditions and sign-placement requirements.
W318 and Railway Crossing Protection
Railway crossings can have different protection arrangements.
The applicable signs, markings and control devices depend on the classification and protection of the crossing.
The SARTSM refers to Volume 2, Chapter 7 for typical sign and road-marking sequences for different classes of railway crossing protection.
W318 should therefore be considered as part of the complete railway-crossing traffic-management arrangement rather than as a replacement for crossing controls.
How Should Drivers Respond to a W318 Sign?
Drivers approaching W318 should become alert to the railway crossing ahead and pay close attention to the crossing environment.
Drivers should:
- Approach the railway crossing carefully.
- Observe the applicable speed limit.
- Look for railway signals, gates, booms, barriers and road markings.
- Watch for trains approaching the crossing.
- Obey all crossing-control devices and instructions.
- Be prepared to slow down or stop when required.
- Maintain enough space from the vehicle ahead in case traffic stops.
- Only cross when the crossing is open and it is safe and lawful to proceed.
Drivers should not assume that a crossing is clear simply because no train is visible from a distance.
W318 Does Not Mean a Train Is Approaching
The W318 sign warns that a railway crossing is ahead. It does not mean that a train is necessarily approaching when the driver sees the sign.
The actual railway crossing controls and conditions determine whether a driver may proceed.
Drivers should always respond to the signals, barriers, gates and other controls provided at the crossing.
W318 Does Not Mean Drivers Must Stop Immediately
W318 is an advance warning sign and does not itself require every driver to stop immediately.
However, drivers must stop whenever the railway-crossing controls or other applicable traffic controls require them to stop.
Drivers should also be prepared to slow down and stop where necessary according to the actual conditions at the crossing.
W318 and Railway Signals
Some railway crossings may be equipped with warning signals or other active controls.
Where such controls are present, drivers must obey them rather than relying only on the W318 advance-warning sign.
The warning sign provides advance information; the controls at the crossing determine whether and when the roadway may be crossed.
W318 and Railway Gates or Booms
At crossings with gates, booms or barriers, drivers should understand that the roadway may be physically closed when a train is approaching or when the crossing is under control.
W314 is used together with W318 at railway crossings where gates, booms or barriers are provided.
Drivers must obey the actual gate, boom or barrier position and any associated signals.
W318 and Railway Crossings Without Gates
Not all railway crossings have gates or barriers.
W318 provides advance warning of the crossing itself, while the specific signs, signals, markings and other controls used at the crossing depend on the crossing's protection arrangement.
Drivers should never assume that the absence of a gate means that the crossing can be crossed without first checking the railway environment and applicable controls.
W318 at Rural Railway Crossings
Rural roads can cross railway lines in locations with relatively open surroundings, vegetation or limited visibility.
W318 can provide advance warning before drivers reach the crossing, particularly where the crossing is not immediately obvious from the approaching roadway.
The applicable sign distance and size should be determined according to the road's operating conditions and the relevant SARTSM provisions.
W318 at Urban Railway Crossings
Urban railway crossings can occur in built-up areas where buildings, walls, traffic, parked vehicles and other infrastructure may affect visibility.
W318 can provide advance information about the railway crossing before drivers reach the immediate crossing area.
Additional railway signs, road markings and control devices may be present depending on the crossing arrangement.
W318 Near Industrial Railways
Industrial areas may contain railway lines and sidings that intersect with roads used by employees, delivery vehicles, forklifts, contractors and other traffic.
Where a road crosses a railway line, appropriate railway-crossing warning and control arrangements should be provided according to the site and applicable requirements.
W318 may be relevant where advance warning of the railway crossing is required.
W318 and Railway Sidings
Railway sidings can create different traffic environments from major mainline railway crossings.
The appropriate signs and road markings depend on the specific railway environment and crossing arrangement.
The SARTSM provides examples of signing and marking sequences for various railway crossing protection classes in Volume 2, Chapter 7.
Temporary Railway Crossing Sign – TW318
The temporary version of W318 is designated TW318.
The SARTSM states that TW318 may be used to warn road users of a temporary railway crossing created as a result of roadworks or railway detours.
This allows a temporary crossing to receive an appropriate advance warning where the normal road or railway arrangement has been changed.
TW318 During Roadworks
Road construction and maintenance can temporarily alter road alignments or create detours that interact with railway facilities.
Where a temporary railway crossing is created because of these changes, TW318 may be used as the advance warning sign.
Temporary railway-crossing signing should form part of the overall approved traffic-management arrangement for the work area.
Temporary W318 Sign Colours
The permanent W318 warning sign follows the standard warning-sign arrangement:
- Triangle: Red retroreflective
- Train symbol: Black semi-matt
- Background: White retroreflective
The temporary TW318 version uses the temporary warning-sign arrangement:
- Triangle: Red retroreflective
- Train symbol: Black semi-matt
- Background: Yellow retroreflective
Retroreflective W318 Signs
Retroreflective materials help warning signs remain visible when illuminated by vehicle headlights.
Permanent and temporary warning signs should be manufactured with the applicable colours, symbols, dimensions and retroreflective properties specified by the relevant South African road traffic sign requirements.
W318 Sign Visibility
A railway-crossing warning sign should be clearly visible to approaching road users before they reach the crossing.
Visibility may be affected by:
- Road curves
- Hills and crests
- Vegetation
- Buildings and walls
- Advertising structures
- Other roadside signs
- Parked vehicles
- Street furniture
The sign should be positioned and maintained so that approaching drivers have a clear opportunity to recognise the railway-crossing warning.
W318 Sign Size
The appropriate size of W318 depends on the road environment and operating conditions.
The SARTSM states that the railway-crossing warning sign should be of a size and at a distance as given in Table 3.1.
General warning-sign sizes are selected according to factors such as traffic volumes, operating speed, road conditions, background lighting and the visual emphasis required.
For public-road installations, the appropriate size should be confirmed against the applicable SARTSM provisions and the requirements of the responsible road authority.
Additional W318 for Extra Emphasis
An additional W318 sign may be displayed on the right-hand side of the roadway for extra emphasis.
This may be useful where additional visual emphasis is considered appropriate for the railway-crossing warning.
The final sign arrangement should reflect the road layout and applicable sign-placement requirements.
W318 Sign Maintenance
Railway-crossing warning signs should be kept visible, legible and in suitable condition.
Regular maintenance checks may identify:
- Faded sign faces
- Damaged symbols
- Physical damage
- Loose mounting hardware
- Vegetation covering the sign
- Obstructions from other roadside objects
- Reduced retroreflective performance
Maintaining the sign helps preserve the warning message for approaching road users.
W318 and Railway Crossing Road Markings
A W318 sign is only one part of a railway-crossing traffic-management arrangement.
Road markings and other signs may also be required depending on the protection and classification of the railway crossing.
The SARTSM refers to Volume 2, Chapter 7 for typical sign and road-marking sequences associated with various classes of railway crossing protection.
W318 and Public Road Safety
On public roads, railway-crossing signs need to work together with the railway infrastructure and the road traffic-control system.
Drivers should obey the actual controls at the crossing, including signals, gates, booms, barriers and road markings where provided.
W318 provides advance information that the crossing is ahead, but it does not replace the controls required at the railway crossing itself.
W318 in South Africa
The W318 Railway Crossing Ahead sign forms part of the South African road traffic warning-sign system.
For public-road applications, the selection, size, placement, design, materials and installation of W318 should comply with the applicable South African Road Traffic Signs Manual requirements and the requirements of the responsible road authority.
Where the railway crossing has gates, booms or barriers, W314 should also be included in accordance with the applicable requirements.
W318 on Private Roads and Industrial Properties
Railway crossings can also occur within private industrial properties, mines, manufacturing facilities, logistics areas and other controlled sites.
Where a private roadway crosses a railway line, appropriate warning and traffic-management signage may be used to alert drivers and other road users to the crossing.
The exact sign arrangement should reflect the site's railway infrastructure, vehicle movement and applicable safety requirements.
Who May Need W318 Railway Crossing Signs?
W318 signage may be relevant to:
- Municipalities
- Road authorities
- Railway infrastructure operators
- Industrial facilities
- Mining operations
- Logistics facilities
- Manufacturing sites
- Rail-connected businesses
- Road construction contractors
- Traffic-management contractors
- Railway maintenance contractors
- Property and facility managers
Benefits of Railway Crossing Ahead Warning Signs
- Warns drivers that a railway crossing is ahead.
- Provides advance information before the crossing.
- Draws attention to the railway environment.
- Can help drivers prepare to respond to crossing controls.
- Can be used with W314 where gates, booms or barriers are present.
- An additional W318 can be used on the right side for extra emphasis where appropriate.
- Can form part of a wider railway-crossing traffic-management arrangement.
- TW318 can be used for temporary crossings created by roadworks or railway detours.
Frequently Asked Questions About W318 Railway Crossing Signs
What does W318 mean?
W318 means Railway Crossing Ahead. It warns road users that a railway crossing is ahead.
Is W318 a warning sign?
Yes. W318 is an advance warning sign in the South African road traffic sign system.
Does W318 mean a train is approaching?
No. W318 warns that a railway crossing is ahead. It does not mean that a train is necessarily approaching.
Does W318 mean I must stop?
No. W318 itself is an advance warning. Drivers must stop when the railway-crossing controls or other applicable traffic controls require them to stop.
What should drivers do when they see W318?
Drivers should become alert to the railway crossing, watch for trains and obey all signs, signals, barriers, gates and road markings at the crossing.
Where is W318 used?
It is used in advance of railway crossings where road users need advance warning of the crossing ahead.
Can another W318 sign be installed on the right side?
Yes. The SARTSM allows an additional W318 on the right-hand side of the roadway for extra emphasis.
How far before the railway crossing should W318 be placed?
Its position is determined using the applicable SARTSM advance-warning requirements and Table 3.1, taking the operating speed and road conditions into account.
What are the general W318 warning distances?
The general Table 3.1 distances are 120 m at 60 km/h, 160 m at 80 km/h, 240 m at 100 km/h and 330 m at 120 km/h, subject to the applicable site conditions.
What is W314?
W314 is the Gate warning sign. It is used with W318 where a railway crossing has gates, booms or barriers.
How far before W318 should W314 be placed?
Where W314 is used with W318 at a gated railway crossing, the SARTSM specifies that W314 should be V metres in advance of W318, where V is the operating speed in km/h.
What is the difference between W318 and W314?
W318 warns about the railway crossing, while W314 warns about a gate, boom or barrier associated with the crossing.
What is TW318?
TW318 is the temporary Railway Crossing warning sign.
When is TW318 used?
TW318 may be used to warn of a temporary railway crossing created as a result of roadworks or railway detours.
What colours does a permanent W318 sign use?
The permanent sign uses a red retroreflective triangle, black semi-matt train symbol and white retroreflective background.
What colours does TW318 use?
The temporary version uses a red retroreflective triangle, black semi-matt train symbol and yellow retroreflective background.
Can W318 be used at a railway siding?
The appropriate warning depends on the railway environment and crossing arrangement. The SARTSM provides railway-crossing signing guidance for different protection arrangements.
Can W318 be used on a private road?
Similar Railway Crossing warning signage may be used on private roads and controlled industrial properties where a roadway crosses a railway line.
Can W318 be used at an industrial facility?
Yes. It may form part of an appropriate traffic-management arrangement where vehicles and a railway line share a crossing point.
What other signs may be used with W318?
Depending on the crossing, additional signs, road markings and controls may be required. At crossings with gates, booms or barriers, W314 should also be displayed.
Can Signs4SA supply W318 railway crossing signs?
Yes. Signs4SA can assist with W318 Railway Crossing Ahead signs, W314 Gate signs, temporary warning signs and other traffic-management signage. Provide the sign code, required dimensions, quantity and installation requirements when requesting a quotation.
Order W318 Railway Crossing Ahead Signs
Need W318 Railway Crossing Ahead signs for a public road, industrial facility, railway project, roadworks site, logistics property or private traffic-management application?
Contact Signs4SA with your required sign code, dimensions, quantity and installation details to request a quotation.
One important feature of Railway crossing ahead signs is their high visibility. These signs are designed to be easily seen by drivers, even from a distance and in adverse weather conditions. Many Railway crossing ahead signs are also designed with reflective materials that make them visible at night.
Another important feature of Railway crossing ahead signs is their durability. Road signs are exposed to a wide range of environmental factors, including wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. As such, they need to be made from materials that can withstand these conditions and remain in good condition for years to come.
More About Railway crossing ahead
Railway Crossing Ahead – W318 Road Sign
The W318 Railway Crossing Ahead road sign is a warning sign used to alert drivers and other road users that a railway crossing is ahead.
The sign gives approaching road users advance information that the road will intersect with a railway line. This allows drivers to become more alert to the railway crossing, observe the road and railway environment carefully and respond to any applicable crossing controls.
W318 is particularly important where the railway crossing may not be immediately obvious to approaching drivers because of the road layout, surrounding buildings, vegetation, terrain or other visibility conditions.
What Does the W318 Road Sign Mean?
W318 means Railway Crossing Ahead. It warns road users that a railway crossing is ahead on the roadway.
W318 is an advance warning sign. It does not by itself tell a driver whether a train is approaching or whether the crossing is currently open or closed.
Drivers must respond to the actual railway-crossing conditions and obey all applicable signs, signals, barriers, road markings and other traffic controls.
What Is a Railway Crossing?
A railway crossing is a location where a roadway and railway line intersect and road users need to cross the railway track.
Railway crossings can have different types of protection and control arrangements. Depending on the crossing, these may include gates, booms, barriers, warning signals, road markings or other controls.
The W318 sign provides advance warning of the crossing itself. Additional signs and controls depend on the specific railway crossing arrangement.
Why Is the W318 Railway Crossing Sign Important?
Railway crossings can require drivers to interact with a different type of traffic environment, where trains and road vehicles use the same crossing point.
Advance warning helps drivers know that a railway crossing is ahead before they reach it.
This can encourage drivers to pay closer attention to the crossing, look for railway-control devices and be prepared to respond to the conditions at the crossing.
Where Is W318 Railway Crossing Ahead Used?
W318 is used in advance of railway crossings where road users need warning that a railway crossing is ahead.
It may be relevant on:
- Public roads approaching railway crossings
- Rural roads crossing railway lines
- Urban roads approaching railway crossings
- Industrial roads serving rail-connected facilities
- Roads approaching railway sidings or crossing environments
- Roadworks routes affected by temporary railway crossings
- Other roads where a railway crossing forms part of the route ahead
The exact application depends on the crossing arrangement, road environment and applicable road traffic sign requirements.
When Should W318 Be Used?
The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual states that W318 is used to warn road users that a railway crossing is ahead.
The sign should therefore be considered wherever drivers need advance warning of an approaching railway crossing.
Warning signs should be used according to the applicable road-sign criteria and should provide useful information to approaching road users rather than being installed unnecessarily.
W318 Sign Placement
W318 should be positioned in advance of the railway crossing hazard.
The SARTSM specifies that the sign should be located at the distance and size given in Table 3.1.
The general advance-warning distances depend on the operating speed of the road. Where the standard location does not provide adequate visibility, the warning sign may need to be moved further from the hazard in accordance with the applicable warning-sign provisions.
Typical W318 Advance-Warning Distances
The SARTSM general warning-sign table provides the following standard location distances for different operating speeds:
- 60 km/h: 120 m
- 80 km/h: 160 m
- 100 km/h: 240 m
- 120 km/h: 330 m
On gravel roads, the manual provides alternative distances in brackets for the applicable operating speeds.
The actual position should always be confirmed against the applicable road design, operating speed, visibility and responsible road authority requirements.
W318 and Additional Right-Hand Sign
The SARTSM states that an additional W318 sign may be displayed on the right-hand side of the roadway for extra emphasis.
This can be useful where additional visual emphasis is appropriate for the railway crossing warning.
The decision to provide an additional sign should take account of the road environment, visibility and applicable sign-placement requirements.
W318 at Railway Crossings with Gates, Booms or Barriers
Where a railway crossing has gates, booms or barriers, the SARTSM states that the W314 Gate warning sign should also be displayed.
This means that the railway crossing warning and the gate warning communicate two related conditions:
- W318: Railway Crossing Ahead
- W314: Gate Ahead
W318 warns about the railway crossing, while W314 warns road users that a gate, boom or barrier is associated with the crossing.
W314 and W318 Placement Relationship
When W314 is used together with W318 at a railway crossing with gates, booms or barriers, the SARTSM specifies that W314 should be located a distance of V metres in advance of W318.
In this requirement, V represents the operating speed in kilometres per hour.
For example, on an approach with an operating speed of 80 km/h, the V-distance relationship would be 80 m between the two warning signs, subject to the applicable site conditions and sign-placement requirements.
W318 and Railway Crossing Protection
Railway crossings can have different protection arrangements.
The applicable signs, markings and control devices depend on the classification and protection of the crossing.
The SARTSM refers to Volume 2, Chapter 7 for typical sign and road-marking sequences for different classes of railway crossing protection.
W318 should therefore be considered as part of the complete railway-crossing traffic-management arrangement rather than as a replacement for crossing controls.
How Should Drivers Respond to a W318 Sign?
Drivers approaching W318 should become alert to the railway crossing ahead and pay close attention to the crossing environment.
Drivers should:
- Approach the railway crossing carefully.
- Observe the applicable speed limit.
- Look for railway signals, gates, booms, barriers and road markings.
- Watch for trains approaching the crossing.
- Obey all crossing-control devices and instructions.
- Be prepared to slow down or stop when required.
- Maintain enough space from the vehicle ahead in case traffic stops.
- Only cross when the crossing is open and it is safe and lawful to proceed.
Drivers should not assume that a crossing is clear simply because no train is visible from a distance.
W318 Does Not Mean a Train Is Approaching
The W318 sign warns that a railway crossing is ahead. It does not mean that a train is necessarily approaching when the driver sees the sign.
The actual railway crossing controls and conditions determine whether a driver may proceed.
Drivers should always respond to the signals, barriers, gates and other controls provided at the crossing.
W318 Does Not Mean Drivers Must Stop Immediately
W318 is an advance warning sign and does not itself require every driver to stop immediately.
However, drivers must stop whenever the railway-crossing controls or other applicable traffic controls require them to stop.
Drivers should also be prepared to slow down and stop where necessary according to the actual conditions at the crossing.
W318 and Railway Signals
Some railway crossings may be equipped with warning signals or other active controls.
Where such controls are present, drivers must obey them rather than relying only on the W318 advance-warning sign.
The warning sign provides advance information; the controls at the crossing determine whether and when the roadway may be crossed.
W318 and Railway Gates or Booms
At crossings with gates, booms or barriers, drivers should understand that the roadway may be physically closed when a train is approaching or when the crossing is under control.
W314 is used together with W318 at railway crossings where gates, booms or barriers are provided.
Drivers must obey the actual gate, boom or barrier position and any associated signals.
W318 and Railway Crossings Without Gates
Not all railway crossings have gates or barriers.
W318 provides advance warning of the crossing itself, while the specific signs, signals, markings and other controls used at the crossing depend on the crossing's protection arrangement.
Drivers should never assume that the absence of a gate means that the crossing can be crossed without first checking the railway environment and applicable controls.
W318 at Rural Railway Crossings
Rural roads can cross railway lines in locations with relatively open surroundings, vegetation or limited visibility.
W318 can provide advance warning before drivers reach the crossing, particularly where the crossing is not immediately obvious from the approaching roadway.
The applicable sign distance and size should be determined according to the road's operating conditions and the relevant SARTSM provisions.
W318 at Urban Railway Crossings
Urban railway crossings can occur in built-up areas where buildings, walls, traffic, parked vehicles and other infrastructure may affect visibility.
W318 can provide advance information about the railway crossing before drivers reach the immediate crossing area.
Additional railway signs, road markings and control devices may be present depending on the crossing arrangement.
W318 Near Industrial Railways
Industrial areas may contain railway lines and sidings that intersect with roads used by employees, delivery vehicles, forklifts, contractors and other traffic.
Where a road crosses a railway line, appropriate railway-crossing warning and control arrangements should be provided according to the site and applicable requirements.
W318 may be relevant where advance warning of the railway crossing is required.
W318 and Railway Sidings
Railway sidings can create different traffic environments from major mainline railway crossings.
The appropriate signs and road markings depend on the specific railway environment and crossing arrangement.
The SARTSM provides examples of signing and marking sequences for various railway crossing protection classes in Volume 2, Chapter 7.
Temporary Railway Crossing Sign – TW318
The temporary version of W318 is designated TW318.
The SARTSM states that TW318 may be used to warn road users of a temporary railway crossing created as a result of roadworks or railway detours.
This allows a temporary crossing to receive an appropriate advance warning where the normal road or railway arrangement has been changed.
TW318 During Roadworks
Road construction and maintenance can temporarily alter road alignments or create detours that interact with railway facilities.
Where a temporary railway crossing is created because of these changes, TW318 may be used as the advance warning sign.
Temporary railway-crossing signing should form part of the overall approved traffic-management arrangement for the work area.
Temporary W318 Sign Colours
The permanent W318 warning sign follows the standard warning-sign arrangement:
- Triangle: Red retroreflective
- Train symbol: Black semi-matt
- Background: White retroreflective
The temporary TW318 version uses the temporary warning-sign arrangement:
- Triangle: Red retroreflective
- Train symbol: Black semi-matt
- Background: Yellow retroreflective
Retroreflective W318 Signs
Retroreflective materials help warning signs remain visible when illuminated by vehicle headlights.
Permanent and temporary warning signs should be manufactured with the applicable colours, symbols, dimensions and retroreflective properties specified by the relevant South African road traffic sign requirements.
W318 Sign Visibility
A railway-crossing warning sign should be clearly visible to approaching road users before they reach the crossing.
Visibility may be affected by:
- Road curves
- Hills and crests
- Vegetation
- Buildings and walls
- Advertising structures
- Other roadside signs
- Parked vehicles
- Street furniture
The sign should be positioned and maintained so that approaching drivers have a clear opportunity to recognise the railway-crossing warning.
W318 Sign Size
The appropriate size of W318 depends on the road environment and operating conditions.
The SARTSM states that the railway-crossing warning sign should be of a size and at a distance as given in Table 3.1.
General warning-sign sizes are selected according to factors such as traffic volumes, operating speed, road conditions, background lighting and the visual emphasis required.
For public-road installations, the appropriate size should be confirmed against the applicable SARTSM provisions and the requirements of the responsible road authority.
Additional W318 for Extra Emphasis
An additional W318 sign may be displayed on the right-hand side of the roadway for extra emphasis.
This may be useful where additional visual emphasis is considered appropriate for the railway-crossing warning.
The final sign arrangement should reflect the road layout and applicable sign-placement requirements.
W318 Sign Maintenance
Railway-crossing warning signs should be kept visible, legible and in suitable condition.
Regular maintenance checks may identify:
- Faded sign faces
- Damaged symbols
- Physical damage
- Loose mounting hardware
- Vegetation covering the sign
- Obstructions from other roadside objects
- Reduced retroreflective performance
Maintaining the sign helps preserve the warning message for approaching road users.
W318 and Railway Crossing Road Markings
A W318 sign is only one part of a railway-crossing traffic-management arrangement.
Road markings and other signs may also be required depending on the protection and classification of the railway crossing.
The SARTSM refers to Volume 2, Chapter 7 for typical sign and road-marking sequences associated with various classes of railway crossing protection.
W318 and Public Road Safety
On public roads, railway-crossing signs need to work together with the railway infrastructure and the road traffic-control system.
Drivers should obey the actual controls at the crossing, including signals, gates, booms, barriers and road markings where provided.
W318 provides advance information that the crossing is ahead, but it does not replace the controls required at the railway crossing itself.
W318 in South Africa
The W318 Railway Crossing Ahead sign forms part of the South African road traffic warning-sign system.
For public-road applications, the selection, size, placement, design, materials and installation of W318 should comply with the applicable South African Road Traffic Signs Manual requirements and the requirements of the responsible road authority.
Where the railway crossing has gates, booms or barriers, W314 should also be included in accordance with the applicable requirements.
W318 on Private Roads and Industrial Properties
Railway crossings can also occur within private industrial properties, mines, manufacturing facilities, logistics areas and other controlled sites.
Where a private roadway crosses a railway line, appropriate warning and traffic-management signage may be used to alert drivers and other road users to the crossing.
The exact sign arrangement should reflect the site's railway infrastructure, vehicle movement and applicable safety requirements.
Who May Need W318 Railway Crossing Signs?
W318 signage may be relevant to:
- Municipalities
- Road authorities
- Railway infrastructure operators
- Industrial facilities
- Mining operations
- Logistics facilities
- Manufacturing sites
- Rail-connected businesses
- Road construction contractors
- Traffic-management contractors
- Railway maintenance contractors
- Property and facility managers
Benefits of Railway Crossing Ahead Warning Signs
- Warns drivers that a railway crossing is ahead.
- Provides advance information before the crossing.
- Draws attention to the railway environment.
- Can help drivers prepare to respond to crossing controls.
- Can be used with W314 where gates, booms or barriers are present.
- An additional W318 can be used on the right side for extra emphasis where appropriate.
- Can form part of a wider railway-crossing traffic-management arrangement.
- TW318 can be used for temporary crossings created by roadworks or railway detours.
Frequently Asked Questions About W318 Railway Crossing Signs
What does W318 mean?
W318 means Railway Crossing Ahead. It warns road users that a railway crossing is ahead.
Is W318 a warning sign?
Yes. W318 is an advance warning sign in the South African road traffic sign system.
Does W318 mean a train is approaching?
No. W318 warns that a railway crossing is ahead. It does not mean that a train is necessarily approaching.
Does W318 mean I must stop?
No. W318 itself is an advance warning. Drivers must stop when the railway-crossing controls or other applicable traffic controls require them to stop.
What should drivers do when they see W318?
Drivers should become alert to the railway crossing, watch for trains and obey all signs, signals, barriers, gates and road markings at the crossing.
Where is W318 used?
It is used in advance of railway crossings where road users need advance warning of the crossing ahead.
Can another W318 sign be installed on the right side?
Yes. The SARTSM allows an additional W318 on the right-hand side of the roadway for extra emphasis.
How far before the railway crossing should W318 be placed?
Its position is determined using the applicable SARTSM advance-warning requirements and Table 3.1, taking the operating speed and road conditions into account.
What are the general W318 warning distances?
The general Table 3.1 distances are 120 m at 60 km/h, 160 m at 80 km/h, 240 m at 100 km/h and 330 m at 120 km/h, subject to the applicable site conditions.
What is W314?
W314 is the Gate warning sign. It is used with W318 where a railway crossing has gates, booms or barriers.
How far before W318 should W314 be placed?
Where W314 is used with W318 at a gated railway crossing, the SARTSM specifies that W314 should be V metres in advance of W318, where V is the operating speed in km/h.
What is the difference between W318 and W314?
W318 warns about the railway crossing, while W314 warns about a gate, boom or barrier associated with the crossing.
What is TW318?
TW318 is the temporary Railway Crossing warning sign.
When is TW318 used?
TW318 may be used to warn of a temporary railway crossing created as a result of roadworks or railway detours.
What colours does a permanent W318 sign use?
The permanent sign uses a red retroreflective triangle, black semi-matt train symbol and white retroreflective background.
What colours does TW318 use?
The temporary version uses a red retroreflective triangle, black semi-matt train symbol and yellow retroreflective background.
Can W318 be used at a railway siding?
The appropriate warning depends on the railway environment and crossing arrangement. The SARTSM provides railway-crossing signing guidance for different protection arrangements.
Can W318 be used on a private road?
Similar Railway Crossing warning signage may be used on private roads and controlled industrial properties where a roadway crosses a railway line.
Can W318 be used at an industrial facility?
Yes. It may form part of an appropriate traffic-management arrangement where vehicles and a railway line share a crossing point.
What other signs may be used with W318?
Depending on the crossing, additional signs, road markings and controls may be required. At crossings with gates, booms or barriers, W314 should also be displayed.
Can Signs4SA supply W318 railway crossing signs?
Yes. Signs4SA can assist with W318 Railway Crossing Ahead signs, W314 Gate signs, temporary warning signs and other traffic-management signage. Provide the sign code, required dimensions, quantity and installation requirements when requesting a quotation.
Order W318 Railway Crossing Ahead Signs
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