Howard, I did not say the tracks are out of service, only the crossing signals. I recall that any signals that would affect highway traffic ( or railroad traffic for that matter ), that are not currently operational for any reason, must be covered or turned away from traffic, just like a roadway intersection that is converting from stop signs to traffic signals has the signal heads turned away or bagged. This is to avoid confusion and / or accidents from those who say: " The signals wern't flashing, so I drove into the side of the train. "
Considering how many motorists ignore crossing signals that DO flash, this is not out of the realm of possibility.