Society Talk

Why do so many cities still have level crossings on busy roads?

Two in May now on GONOM alone: Bangkok, where a bus stuck at the crossing was pushed about 50 metres by a freight train, and Buggenhout in Belgium. Different causes, but the common factor is the same, road and rail at the same level.

I understand the economics: bridges and underpasses are expensive and disruptive, and lots of crossings were built when traffic was a fraction of today's. But on a major urban road with buses? I'd be curious how it looks where you all live. Are they being removed, or are they just quietly accepted?