Video analytic sensor system and methods for detecting railroad crossing gate position and railroad occupancy

An automotive traffic control system operative with respect to at least one warning light at a first location along a roadway, the automotive traffic control system comprising:

• a processor-based video analytic system receiving images including the at least one warning light, and based on an analysis of the images the processor-based video analytic sensor system confirming a proper operation of the at least one warning light;
• wherein the processor-based video analytic system is further configured to communicate with a traffic control device, wherein the traffic control device is operationally responsive to a communication from the processor-based video analytic sensor system to enhance automotive vehicle safety proximate the first location or to avoid an unnecessary automotive traffic disruption due to the operation of the at least one warning light.