[Highway crossings; definitions.]

The following words and phrases when used in this act [63-3-35 to 63-3-38 NMSA 1978] shall, for the purpose of this act, have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section, except in those instances where the context clearly indicates a different meaning. A. "Public highways": every place or way of whatever nature open to the use of the public as a matter of right for purposes of vehicular travel. B. "Grade crossing" or "crossing at grade": a crossing so constructed that a highway crosses railroad tracks upon the same grade as is occupied by such tracks. C. "Grade separation": a separation of the grade of railroad tracks from that of a highway at a railroad crossing, so constructed that the highway will either pass under the tracks of the railroad or over such tracks, at a sufficient height above the same to permit railroad trains to pass under such highway. D. "Grade separation limits": all that portion of a highway at or near a railroad crossing between the points where the grade line of such highway leaves its natural grade on one side of a railroad track and where it returns to its natural grade on the other side of such track. History: Laws 1929, ch. 97, § 1; C.S. 1929, § 116-1201; 1941 Comp., § 74-336; 1953 Comp., § 69-3-38.