Sinaf Advanced System

For a Big Problem, a Big Solution.

The Challenge of Passive Crossing Signaling in the U.S.

The Hidden Danger at passive Railroad Crossings

High Costs Prevent Widespread Safety Upgrades

Across the U.S., over 140,000 railroad crossings are marked only by passive signs — no lights, no alarms. These crossings are the most dangerous, lacking any automatic warning when a train is near.

Why aren't they upgraded?

Because active signaling systems are expensive to install and maintain. With limited budgets, only the most critical locations receive improvements — leaving thousands of passive crossings dangerously exposed.

The result?

Delays in safety upgrades can last for years — and in too many cases, lead to tragic, preventable accidents.

HOW DOES SINAF FACILITATE INSTALLATIONS IN CHALLENGING AREAS?

Century-Old Technology, High Costs

Nearly all train detection systems at grade crossings in the U.S. still rely on the traditional track circuit — a technology developed over 100 years ago. While highly reliable, this system is expensive to install and costly to maintain.

Upgrading to Active Signaling Is Complex and Expensive

Converting a passive crossing into an active one requires strict technical certification, making it difficult — and costly — to adopt more affordable alternatives, even when they are technologically sound.

This is where Sinaf’s Advanced System comes in

Sinaf offers an innovative solution: a system built around the standard W10 warning sign, enhanced with over 400% more visual impact using solar-powered LED lighting, along with a railroad-style gong sound alert — all integrated into the sign itself.

How is that possible?

It’s simple: the system activates only when a train is approaching the crossing, and switches off afterward to conserve energy.

Best of all: it doesn’t change the legal status

Despite featuring lights and sound, the crossing remains legally classified as passive, since the alerts are triggered solely by the train’s presence — with no need for reclassification or new permits.

The Sinaf Advanced System Solution

More LEDs. More sound. More safety.

Sinaf’s Advanced System takes passive railroad crossing alerts to a whole new level. Equipped with ultra-bright LEDs and a neon border around the warning sign, it provides highly visible alerts for both drivers and pedestrians. In addition, a railroad-style gong — the same used in active crossings — sounds when a train is approaching.

No grid power needed. Perfect for remote areas.

The system is fully autonomous and solar-powered, requiring no connection to the railroad’s infrastructure or local power grid. This allows for easy installation even in remote locations. Maintenance is simple — just swap out interchangeable components in the rare event of a failure.

Fail-safe operation

Delays in safety upgrades can last for years — and in too many cases, lead to tragic, preventable accidents.

Smart activation, only when needed

Intelligent sensors detect an approaching train and activate the lights and sound only when necessary. This minimizes energy consumption, making it possible to use many more LEDs and audio alerts without draining the battery — unlike systems that operate 24/7.

PIONEERING & INNOVATION IN RAILROAD SAFETY

Embrace innovation and technology with a trusted partner like SINAF, a leading company in railroad signaling and an expert in railroad crossing gates. We ensure a partnership that prioritizes railroad crossing safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability. From project planning to installation, we guide you every step of the way. Join us and take your company's railroad safety to the next level.