The following is the response provided by NJ Transit pertaining to the railroad crossing at Livingston Ave. and Central Ave.in April 2025
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New Providence Police Department personnel met recently with NJ TRANSIT officials to review the operation of the rail crossing gates at Livingston and Central Avenues.
The technical experts at NJ TRANSIT have confirmed that the warning system and gates at the grade crossing are tested regularly and are functioning properly in accordance with safety regulations.
The rail safety warning signal system is designed for the crossing gates to come down approximately 30 seconds before express trains reach the crossing. However, when eastbound trains stop at the nearby Murray Hill Station, the warning signal could result in the crossing gates remaining down for approximately two minutes, while trains board and discharge passengers. To alleviate this condition, the crossing gates have been programmed to automatically rise while trains stop at that station. This allows street traffic to flow during the station stops. When the trains leave the station, the warning system is again activated and the gates come down to protect street traffic.
This is a common method used throughout the United States to avoid unnecessary traffic delays when trains are stopped or delayed near grade crossings.
NJ TRANSIT officials stress that tracks should never be crossed, under any circumstances, while the gates are down.