Thank you for reaching out to UDOT. This signal is operating as designed. There are two traffic control devices in quick succession at this site due to the proximity of the rail to the intersection. They should be obeyed in the order that you drive through them. When the gate is active (flashing red - note the gate arm is NOT the control device) drivers should stop at the stop bar and ignore any other signal indication beyond the gate. Drivers who are past the stop bar are given a green traffic signal to clear off the tracks prior to train arrival. National and International best practices require this track clear green signal. Allowing the signal to go green briefly while the gate is coming down or has recently lowered permits a driver who may have stopped on the tracks to safely clear the tracks without interference from other traffic.

We ask that people remember that many rail crossings have 2 traffic control devices: Active Railroad Grade Crossing Sign & Traffic Signal. Just as if it were two traffic signals, please stop at the red indication closest to you regardless of what the device beyond is doing.

Odd, one would think to clear a road or have a safe throughput the lights would go yellow in juxtaposition to the R/R crossing lights.

The way you say it is kinda stupid!!!