The stationary post signal seen here on the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road mainline in near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois, informs the locomotive engineer as to when to blow his airhorns for the railroad crossing.
During the steam era, steam locomotives had utilized an audible warning device known as a Whistle. Although diesel locomotives with air horns have been the industry standard for the last 60 or so years, old names like "Whistles" die hard.
This is what is refered to as a "Whistle Post" hence the reflective "W" on the sign.
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