gatekeeper; crossing guard
Specifically a person stationed at a railway crossing to operate the gate and ensure safety.
踏切番が遮断機を下ろした。
The crossing guard lowered the barrier.
Standard kanji spelling for a railway crossing guard.
Alternate spelling with okurigana; less common but still seen.
Compound of 踏切 (ふみきり, 'railway crossing') and 番 (ばん, 'watch, guard').