Is one crossing arm style better than the other?

Question

I noticed that there appears to be two styles of crossing arms: one is a straight bar, the other is a tweezer shaped object made of two bars merging together at the top. Is one style better than the other. Is one the more modern version?

Answer 1

I know of 2 gates used for train crossings, and 1 used for parking garages. The train crossing ones are now all fiberglass but awhile ago when I was younger the shorter ones were made of wood, but the posted safety issues. So now days they are all fiberglass. The parking garage ones are the bendy ones this look one but are 2 when they raise. This is used for when the parking garage's ceiling clearance is low and they can only allow cars and small SUV's

Answer 2

The double bars merging doesnt sway in the wind as much so is needed in windy areas. Neither works if the motorist is not paying attention or is in too big of a hurry to stop. Interlicking gates that cant be driven around are a bit more effective.

Answer 3

Hey, Rex...

They are just different styles of construction, but, with the longer barricades, needing more support, they are the 'tweezer' type you describe.  It is like a 'cantilever' lying on its side, and it supports itself better.

As far as affording more protection, both are equally ignored by the motoring public, but, where there is 'four quadrant' gates employed, blocking the traffic completely on both lanes on both sides, people who would otherwise risk their life won't risk s******g up their cars' paint jobs, and tend to respect them more.

Answer 4

They are all fine. The crazy motorists must respect the arm when it is down.