(4K) SEPTA train slowly proceeds over barely protected level crossing

NOTE: I apologize for the shaking, this was a last minute idea as i only had a few minutes to get ready before the train came, so i didn't bring my tripod with me
This video was shot at the Main Street level crossing in Norristown, PA
On Saturday, August 24th, me and my buddy John went to Greenburg's Toy Train show in Oaks PA. On the way back, i knew US 202 parallels the SEPTA Norristown Line so i looked at my phone and sure enough a train was getting ready to depart. Without hesitation, i ran across busy 202 to catch him going through this crossing.
Now your probably wondering why i titled this video the way it is, well in my opinion, this crossing is poorly protected. Yes there are traffic lights, but the gate on the far left doesn't even reach all the way over the road, it only protects a small slip lane for people turning onto US 202. The gate on the right doesn't cover all the lanes. The whole crossing needs a massive upgrade!
This train is on SEPTA's Manayunk/Norristown Line and is heading towards the Norristown Transportation Center!
Enjoy!
TM & Copyright © 2019 by Freedomtower Studios®
All Rights Reserved.

[@BigAppTransitFan]

I still remember that no right turn GS signal on the crossing. The one side of this crossing got upgraded from a vintage looking crossing to a modern and newer looking crossing.

[@FreedomtowerStudios]

If its still there, it won't be for long, the whole crossing is going to be upgraded

[@mainlineproductions513]

Nice video! Crazy driver on the far left at 0:24.

[@FreedomtowerStudios]

Thank You! Yea i know, i saw him inching up when the light turned red

[@AKCman35]

Nice video! Also, I noticed at 0:19 the yellow arrow didn’t light up with the yellow light on the doghouse to clear the protected turn.

[@FreedomtowerStudios]

Thank You I noticed that too, maybe it burnt out

[@pacificzonerailfan]

Nice! Surprised they fixed the bell instead of replacing

[@FreedomtowerStudios]

Thank You Me too, since they have an E-Bell on the other side, thought they would just do that.

[@BaltimoreAndOhioRR]

Very good! 🔔

[@FreedomtowerStudios]

Thank You so much!

[@freebrickproductions]

Great catch and crossing! That Safetran bell sounds very flat!

[@FreedomtowerStudios]

Thank You David! Yes it does. This whole crossing needs an upgrade big time

[@Rlotpir1972]

@@FreedomtowerStudios 2022!

[@NassauandSuffolkCountyRailfan]

Wow this gate is so small they should Update the Gates longer

[@FreedomtowerStudios]

I agree with you, the whole crossing and intersection needs and upgrade badily, they should contact me, ill design the intersection for them!

[@JJE144]

Nice won freedomtower really awaome

[@FreedomtowerStudios]

Thank You!

[@Rlotpir1972]

Say goodbye to the 70+ year old crossings because we're getting new ones along with new traffic lights and walk signals in 2022. Hoping we'll also get signs for "No Turn on Red" and red light enforcer cameras. We need them bad!

[@FreedomtowerStudios]

IMO, its about time, this crossing is poorly setup, i mean the gate on the left, only protects the slip lane and nothing else, im glad this crossing is getting an upgrade and i can't wait to see the new installation!

[@elu0502]

The closer cantilever got replaced

[@elu0502]

This time, the gate is actually longer, and I think they will add quad gates

[@Rlotpir1972]

@@elu0502 Maybe gates and walk signals with voice box like the ones in Butler Pike/Main Street (Ambler, PA) and North Wales Rd/Walnut Street (North Wales, PA). I would move the McDonald's and place it AT the Main Street Station.

[@elu0502]

The intersection is super busy, would not really be useful, since the cars scream by

[@thomasvadeika2119]

That crossing needs to be timed better. You shouldn’t have to wait 2 minutes for a train to reach the crossing.

[@elu0502]

Thomas Vadeika actually the crossings activate a few seconds before the train reaches the station