There used to be a crossing like that directly in front of an apartment I lived in as a kid. We always used to run outside when the 5 O'clock freight rolled through. We wanted to see if the 'crazy guy' would make it that day.
You see... there was a very rich bank executive living a few miles down the road on his 'estate'. On the days when he drove his Lamborghini Countach, he would race the train if he approached as the gates fell. His car would even fit just under the gate, if he was brave enough to blast through. (he wouldn't try with his Ferrari Testarossa, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, or DMC-12) Because of the steep incline on the grade crossing..... the Countach would be airborn for 50-75 feet if he really stomped the pedal.
He never hit the train, and the train never hit him. He did, however, have to be towed home after a rough landing. We never saw the Countach or Ferrari again. (no idea where the Ferrari went) He sat there in his DMC-12 or Vantage like everyone else in the free world, waiting for the train to pass.
Either way, we used to love watching the Utah Railway locos approaching while we waited to see if the train racing fool would be 'on time' that day. Seeing his cars was enough of a thrill as a kid. The days he jumped the Countach.... they were exhilarating.
Sorry, I rambled again. I like telling stories of the crazy memories archived in my brain, and this brought one of them back to life.