What defines a grade crossing?

A grade crossing is specifically defined as an intersection where a railway line crosses a road at the same level. This means that at a grade crossing, the road and railway do not have any elevation difference; they meet on the same plane. This definition is essential for understanding various safety and operational guidelines associated with train and vehicle interactions at these intersections.

The focus on safety at grade crossings is crucial because they are points where vehicles and trains must share space, and therefore, various signals and precautions are necessary to prevent accidents. The infrastructure around grade crossings often includes warning lights, gates, and signage to alert motorists to the presence of an approaching train.

In contrast, the other options refer to different types of crossings or traffic situations that do not fit the definition of a grade crossing. For instance, areas where trains wait for road traffic or where tracks and highways are separated involve different configurations that do not represent the essential characteristics of a grade crossing.