> Another thing I've noticed is that they seem to
> place all these new signals as close to grade
> crossings (public and private) as possible. Don't
> want the signal maintainers to have to hoof it.

There is another possibility here. As trains get longer, you really have to pay attention where you can stop without blocking public or active private grade crossings. By putting new signals near grade crossings, you do have the advantage of access and probably electric service nearby (important if the pole line is being removed), but in many cases a train held by a red signal might be clear of crossings.