copyright © arema 2010 13: 1 of 34 module 13: highway-rail grade crossings (hrgc)

COPYRIGHT © AREMA 2010 13: 1 of 34

Module 13: Highway-Rail Grade Crossings (HRGC)


Objectives:• Communicate safety and operational

considerations and the importance of mutual cooperation and understanding between Railroad and Highway Agencies

• Review the process for selection and funding Surface and Traffic Control Projects

• Review the types of Passive Crossing Warning Devices


• A person driving a highway vehicle … shall yield right of way to any train

• Trains are unable to stop quickly to avoid a collision

• Trains sound the horn and ring the bell approaching public crossings (Except in quiet zones)

• A collision between a train and highway vehicle is more likely to result in a fatality or serious injury

Safety Concepts


Typical Crossing Operation

Img_0700.jpg


CooperationThe State DOT or Responsible Agency:• Determines traffic control devices• installs and maintains approach surface, signs

and pavement markings• Agencies usually fund projects and possibly

maintenance The Railroad(s) responsible for:• Installing and maintaining track, signals,

crossing surface and some signsFrequent communication necessary between the

Agencies and Railroads


Federal Program for HRGC’s• The Federal Crossing Program (Sec 130) has

significantly reduced grade crossing collisions through installation of active warning devices

• The Program is administered by each State DOT

• Each Crossing has a unique Inventory Number

• States identify potential projects using crossing inventory and accident information


Crossing Projects• Warning system projects use a Diagnostic

Review lead by the State Agency with involved parties including the railroad, to develop project information.

• Many projects include road configuration and profile changes approaching the crossing

• Some crossing surface agreements include sharing of costs.

• Flagging by railroad personnel required for other work


Closing and opening new crossings

• Redundant crossings should be closed whenever possible

• New crossings are usually only approved when the project includes offsetting closures

• New road corridors should be grade separated


Is This A Closure Candidate?


Grade Separation Example


Crossing Geometry Design Overview

• The geometry design by Highway Agency with Railroad review

• Intersect track as close to right angle • Avoid curves in the highway and railroad• Sight distances• Drainage• Width at least 1’ wider than travel way• Crossing Surface (Top of rail plane) extends 2’

outside of the outermost rail of all the tracks• Road profile with vertical curves to top of rail

plane. New highway surface should not be 3” higher or 6” lower 30’ from rail unless tracks are superelevated.


Typical Surface Responsibility


Crossing Surface Types

Solid Timber Rubber

Timber & Asphalt Concrete Pre-cast


Humped Crossings

Should be avoided or appropriate signs provided by the highway agency.


Selection of Warning Devices• Selection initiated by States• Federal legislation

supplying funds (Section 130 funds) requires an annual priority list.

• MUTCD Standards apply• Railroads should be

involved in diagnostic teams and corridor reviews as part of planning each states annual program.


Diagnostic Review of a Crossing


Crossing Warning System Design Overview

• Railroad operational considerations include:– Train frequency, speeds, switching limits – Track and signal configuration

• Highway traffic considerations– Average Daily Traffic Counts (ADT)– Truck traffic– Buses– Hazardous material trucks – Sight distance – Future highway traffic– Current traffic and congestion – Width and number of lanes, and length of gates and cantilevers– Pedestrian traffic


Complex Crossing Example


Complex Crossing Design Considerations

• Grade Crossings near highway intersections require special consideration

• Provide appropriate traffic control devices for both the crossing and the highway intersection

• Suitable separation between highway intersection and track

• Situations involving vehicles stopping on the crossing are to be avoided

• Preemption


Determine Preview

Sight Lines


Sight Lines (con’t)

Determine Distance


Highway-Rail Grade Crossings

PASSIVE: No train activated warning system– Crossbucks– Advance Warning Sign(s)– Pavement Markings (paved

roads)

ACTIVE: Also has Train Activated Warning Devices such as flashing lights and gates

TWO BASIC TYPES OF CROSSING TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES


Crossbuck Signs w/ Yield or Stop


Tape required by Tape required by 20112011

Gene Russell PhotosGene Russell Photos

With Tape

Without Tape

Photographic Example


MUTCD• Manual on Uniform

Traffic Control Devices• Published by FHWA• Available at http://

MUTCD.FHWA.DOT.GOV• Generally adopted into

state statutes by reference

• Provides standards, guidance and options

• Standards MUST be followed


CANADIAN DRAFT Version


Advance Warning SignsRequired Signs

Example of Optional Signs


MUTCD Pavement Markings


Emergency Notification Signs

• Emergency Notification sign provides, at a minimum:– Emergency

contact number– DOT Inventory

Number


Additional Considerations?

Photos Courtesy Of SYSTRA Consulting


Accidents are Preventable


Grade Crossing Summary

• Safety is everybody's responsibility!

• Cooperation is essential• Become familiar with the MUTCD

and other industry references• Complex locations require

additional review and involvement of experts in the field.


Reference Information• Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and working group

publications from USDOT Federal Highway Administration

• FRA 49 Code of Federal Regulations and Publications

• Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Handbook August, 2007 USDOT Federal Railroad Administration

• AREMA Manuals

• Manual for Railway Engineering

• Communications and Signal Manual

• Operation Life Saver – Safety information and training

• Railroad Public Project Information such as csx.com

• APTA Recommended practices for Light Rail Transportation

• Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Model Law from National Committee on Uniform Traffic Laws and Ordinances

• There are additional references and requirements in individual states and from specific railroads


Questions?

Authors:

Gene Russell, P.E., Ph.D.

Kansas State University (ret.)

(785) 539-9422

[email protected]

Contributors:

Eric G. Peterson, P.E.

CSX (retired)

(904) 292-2630

[email protected]

Larry Romaine

Rail America

(904) 538-6054

[email protected]

Todd Kuhn, P.E.

BNSF Railway

(303) 480-6582

[email protected]

copyright © arema 2010 13: 1 of 34 module 13: highway-rail grade crossings (hrgc)

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