I'm trying to understand the concept of these "cut throughs." In the accompanying photo, is it that pave area below platform level? If so, why do they exist? Seems at odds with "crossings" which require trains to sound their horn on approach.. federal law as I recall. These seem like invitations to tragedy.
Edit: further research revealed there are areas that can be designated as "quiet zones" by the FRA but certain requirements must be met. In our fair city, where noisy train horns are frequent complaints, the necessary upgrades would run into multiple millions of $$.
Still don't understand cut throughs though.