Short stacking is the term used when the distance between the closest rail of the level crossing and a downstream intersection is not long enough to accommodate the design vehicle (plus a safety factor of 5m) stopped at the intersection without fouling the tracks. A similar scenario involves a left or right turn from a continuing road (e.g. a highway) onto the short space before a level crossing. In this situation, the long vehicle may need to stop before traversing the level crossing, leaving the rear of the vehicle remaining partially on the highway. This presents a risk to other vehicles travelling in either direction.
The primary treatment is grade separation, but in the interim, supporting treatments include signalisation, signal linking, yellow box markings and warning signs.
