Transcript:
Denton Road in Wayne County is the first location in the United States to be equipped with unique raisable barricades that serve as warning devices at a railroad crossing.

MDOT believes the barriers have great life-saving potential for motorists who make a quick, poor decision, and attempt to drive around lowered gates.

The colorful barricades rise from the pavement and discourage motorists from driving around lowered crossing gate arms when a train is approaching.

Here's how it works: the red and yellow columns are installed in cartridges that are flush with the pavement. Once they are activated by a signal, the reflective columns take about six seconds to fully deploy. They stand about three feet high. The columns are made of tough, but flexible plastic.

A test period began in December of 2007, and will last until 2009. Transportation officials throughout the nation will be watching Michigan as the technology is evaluated.

This railroad crossing safety test is sponsored by MDOT, the Federal Railroad Administration, and Norfolk Southern Railway.