Abstract: In a system that extends a paved roadway across a pair of parallel, spaced apart rails using a gauge panel between the pair of rails and a pair of field panels between each rail and the roadway, edge protectors of the present invention are used to protect the edges of the panels. A seal is positioned between each rail and a longitudinal rail edge. In one embodiment, a longitudinal rail edge protector has a surface leg that is substantially even with the top surface of the panel and a securing leg that secures the seal to the panel either by being embedded in the seal or by covering or overlapping the seal. In an alternate embodiment, a longitudinal rail edge protector has a surface leg, a securing leg, and a securing extension that is embedded into the seal to secure the seal to the panel. In another alternate embodiment, the securing edge protector is flat and is embedded into the seal to secure the seal to the panel. Anchors may be used to attach the longitudinal rail edge protector to the panel.