Once the decision has been made to install flashing-light signals or gate arms, why is there sometimes a delay in the installation of these devices?

Once the determination of their need has been made, a funding authorization must be negotiated between MDOT and the road authority, and detailed material estimates must prepared by the railroad. This then leads to the actual ordering of specially fabricated electronic equipment and the scheduling of construction crews for the field installation.. It is not uncommon for the installation to take up to 12 months.