Watch out, level crossing! - Fewer crossings without barriers?

The number of potentially dangerous level crossings without barriers is decreasing in the south-east - but varies greatly depending on the federal state. While Deutsche Bahn (DB) still listed 519 such crossings for Saxony-Anhalt in 2019, there were still 497 in 2023. In Saxony too, DB reduced the number of barrier-free crossings from 543 to 494. By contrast, there was significantly less change in Thuringia: Of the 394 such crossings listed by DB in 2019, there was just one less four years later.

However, some conversion projects are nearing completion or are in the planning stage: in Thuringia, for example, a new railroad overpass in Hohenebra (Kyffhäuserkreis) on the Erfurt - Nordhausen line is soon to be completed. In Saxony, too, a railroad overpass between Leipzig and Dresden in Glaubitz (Meißen district) will soon be ready for use. There are also plans to close level crossings in Saxony-Anhalt, such as Barleben and Wolmirstedt (both in the Börde district), and replace them with underpasses or overpasses.

Barrier-free only where there is little traffic

Officially, such barrier-free crossings are referred to as non-technically secured level crossings. These are almost exclusively found on routes with little traffic, emphasized a DB spokesperson. Even if there are no barriers, all DB level crossings are marked with the St. Andrew's cross. Drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and other road users have to check for themselves whether the railroad line is actually clear or whether a train is approaching before crossing level crossings.

According to DB, this is also the crux of the matter when it comes to accidents: Inattention, carelessness or ignorance on the part of drivers, pedestrians and the like usually lead to collisions with trains. The German automobile club ADAC also appeals to road users to pay attention and use common sense. If available, signals at level crossings should be respected and no half-barriers should be bypassed.

Clearer markings?

According to the ADAC, level crossings are among the most accident-prone points in train traffic. The technically unsafe level crossings in particular pose a risk to road safety. Inattention often plays a role when accidents occur there. It makes sense to install warning lines in front of these crossings to make it clear to other road users that rail traffic has priority. This is particularly recommended where the longitudinal road markings continue over the level crossing.