When shoving over a crossing and the train is governed by Rule 529B, what must be true before occupying the crossing?

• A. Crossing must not be occupied until warning has been provided to vehicular traffic by an employee on the ground at the crossing.
• B. Crossing may be occupied after the flagman nods.
• C. Crossing is allowed if the locomotive horn is sounded.
• D. Crossing clearance is automatic after the engineer signals.

Answer: (A)

When a train is shoving over a crossing, safety hinges on giving explicit protection to road users before the crossing is entered. Rule 529B requires that an employee on the ground at the crossing provide warning to vehicular traffic before the locomotive occupies the crossing. This ensures drivers have a real visual/audible cue and time to stop, since a shove can extend beyond the locomotive and create a hazard for crossing users.

Relying on a flagman’s nod, the locomotive horn alone, or automatic clearance after the engineer signals does not guarantee that traffic has been warned or that the crossing is actually clear. The ground-provided warning is the formal protective action required to safeguard the crossing.