Here there is a crossing that has lights and crossing gates but there is lights pointed down the track as if they were going to be used by the train engineer somehow and they are not bent or anything they are just positioned that way. Why is this?
CSXRailFan
Where is here? Are you sure there isn’t a road parallel to the tracks?
most always on the railroad when a set of lights signals or crossing at grade are turned so not to be used for the intended perpose is that the signal is not in service. the road crossing you are talking about is installed but not inservice for what ever reason.
I have seen commuter lines that have one light on a crossing facing in the direction of the approaching train, with no color lense. When the crossings go off, the light blinks, the engineer sees it and knows to sound his horn for the crossing. It is easy to see and very effective.
It also lets the engineer know that the signal is working and that hopefully traffic is stopping.