improving safety at railroad highway grade · pdf fileimproving safety at railroad highway...

1

IMPROVING SAFETY ATIMPROVING SAFETY ATRAILROAD HIGHWAY GRADE RAILROAD HIGHWAY GRADE

CROSSINGSCROSSINGSPresented by Presented by

Nazir Lalani P.E.Nazir Lalani P.E.Traffex Engineers Inc.Traffex Engineers [email protected][email protected]

RAILROAD CROSSINGSRAILROAD CROSSINGS

2

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Year

Fata

litie

s

Trespass FatalitiesCrossing Fatalities

Source: Ms. Anya A. Carroll, Principal InvestigatorActing Deputy Director, Office of Surface Transportation Programs,

Volpe Center

Douglas L. Cooper and David R. RaglandTraffic Safety Center

University of California, Berkeley

2008 Rail Corridor Safety Conference

May 14, 2008

“Driver Decisions at Gated Rail-Highway Crossings”

3

Number and Type of Crossings in CaliforniaNumber and Type of Crossings in California

12, 49612, 496TotalTotal

4,7774,777PrivatePrivate

7,7197,719Public Public

NumberNumberType of CrossingType of Crossing

Private crossing Private crossing –– scene of a fatal crash involving scene of a fatal crash involving a low bed truck that became high centereda low bed truck that became high centered

4

Traffic Control Device Type Number Percentage Passive (43.2%)

No Signs or Signals 172 2.2% Other Signs or Signals 17 0.2% Crossbucks 2,805 36.3% Stop Signs 307 4.0% Special Signs or Warning 42 0.5%

Active (56.8%) Hwy Traffic Sig, Wigwags, or other Activated 270 3.5% Flashing Lights 982 12.7% All Other Gates 3,124 40.5% 4 Quad 0 0.0% Total Public At Grade 7,719 100% Source: FRA

Public At-Grade Crossing Warning Equipment (2005)

Control Device

Number of Train/Vehicle

Crashes

Percentage of All Train/Vehicle

Crashes Gates 434 73.2% Cantilever Flashing Lights 23 3.9%

Std Flashing Lights 46 7.8%

Wig Wags 5 0.8% Hwy Traffic Sig 2 0.3%

Audible 2 0.3% Cross Bucks 57 9.6%

Stop Signs 20 3.4%

Watchman 0 0% Flagged by Crew 0 0%

Other 1 0.2%

None 3 0.5%

Total 593 100% The devices listed are the highest level of warning at a particular crossing. Thus a crossing with gates and flashing lights would be listed only under the ÒGatesÓ category. Source: FRA

Warning Equipment For California Public Crossings With Crashes 2000-2004

5

Driver BehaviorDriver Behavior

Driver Driver ““ModelModel”” For Rail CrossingFor Rail CrossingFirst, the driver makes a First, the driver makes a judgment about the time of arrival of judgment about the time of arrival of the trainthe train

Second, the driver makes a Second, the driver makes a judgment about the time needed judgment about the time needed to complete the crossingto complete the crossing.. The driver makes an allowance for The driver makes an allowance for error by including a error by including a ““margin for errormargin for error””, or a , or a ““bufferbuffer”” to the total to the total crossing time.crossing time.

Third, the driver makes a Third, the driver makes a decision to cross or not to crossdecision to cross or not to crossbased on a sense of whether the crossing time is less than based on a sense of whether the crossing time is less than the anticipated time of arrival of the train. the anticipated time of arrival of the train.

6

Judging Time To Arrival

1. Detecting speed or time to collision from changes in an object’s size has been shown to be difficult.

2. In general, human vision underestimates the speed of large objects.

Rate of Change in Viewing Angle vs. Time-To-Collision

Θ = Object’s Visual Angle

0.00

5.00

10.00

15.00

20.00

7.00 6.00 5.00 4.00 3.00 2.00 1.00

Time To Collision (sec)

25 mph45 mph65 mph85 mph105 mph

7

Train Approaching a Stationary Car at 40 MPH from 1,000 feet

InIn general, human vision underestimates general, human vision underestimates the speed of large objects.the speed of large objects.

Train Approaching Stationary Car

8

Train is less than 20 seconds awayTrain is less than 20 seconds away

10

Railroad Railroad –– Highway Highway Crossing Crash Counter Crossing Crash Counter

MeasuresMeasures

11

Railroad Crossing Crash Railroad Crossing Crash Counter MeasuresCounter Measures

Preemption of signalsPreemption of signalsMediansMediansQuad GatesQuad GatesPrePre--signalssignalsArresting Barriers/Long Arm GatesArresting Barriers/Long Arm GatesMultiple track warningsMultiple track warningsAutomated EnforcementAutomated EnforcementPedestrian Path TreatmentsPedestrian Path TreatmentsBicycle Crossing TreatmentsBicycle Crossing Treatments

Raised Medians orRaised Medians orBarriersBarriers

12

Raised Mountable Median BarriersRaised Mountable Median Barriers

Courtland, ILSource: Quickkurb

Quad GatesQuad Gates

13

Four-quadrant gate HSR crossing inGardner, Illinois


Volpe Center

Source:Source: Design of Traffic Signal Improvements Next to Railroad Design of Traffic Signal Improvements Next to Railroad Crossings Crossings –– Recent Experiences in Southern CaliforniaRecent Experiences in Southern California

Vehicle presence detectionVehicle presence detection

14

PresignalsPresignals

15

Pre signalPre signal

de Crossing Handbook

Pre signal staysPre signal staysRed during Red during preemptionpreemption

16

Queue CuttersQueue Cutters

Queue cutter signal turns red when vehicle queueQueue cutter signal turns red when vehicle queueover the downstream detectorsover the downstream detectors

Source: Railroad – Highway Grade Crossing Handbook

17

Queue cutter signal in advance of tracksQueue cutter signal in advance of tracksSource: Railroad – Highway Grade Crossing Handbook


Queue cutter signal can be a significantQueue cutter signal can be a significantDistance away from the trackDistance away from the track

18

Barrier GatesBarrier Gates

J. VanHoff PhotoJ. VanHoff Photo

19

Vehicle Arresting BarrierVehicle Arresting BarrierChenoa, IL InstallationChenoa, IL Installation Photo: David MosesPhoto: David Moses

Multiple Track WarningsMultiple Track Warnings

20

Timonium Rd/Central LRT in Baltimore, MDTimonium Rd/Central LRT in Baltimore, MDSource: V. HartsockSource: V. Hartsock

Gallinger v. City of SeattleGallinger v. City of Seattle

First TrainFirst TrainSecond TrainSecond Train

Pedestrian Pedestrian -- GallingerGallinger

21

Traffic Signal PreemptionTraffic Signal Preemption

Railroad Signal PreemeptionsRailroad Signal Preemeptions

Required if crossing close to the intersection Required if crossing close to the intersection (200 foot rule)(200 foot rule)

Best to evaluate queues in the fieldBest to evaluate queues in the field

Peak period conditionsPeak period conditions

Can use software such as Synchro or VissimCan use software such as Synchro or Vissim

22


Example of location where queueExample of location where queuebecomes longer than 200 feetbecomes longer than 200 feet

Tracks cleared of traffic before gates close by Tracks cleared of traffic before gates close by preempted signal turning green preempted signal turning green

23

Adjacent traffic signal in allAdjacent traffic signal in all--red flash or red flash or green for parallel streetgreen for parallel street

Advance PreAdvance Pre--emptionemption

Traffic signal is notified of an approaching train Traffic signal is notified of an approaching train priorprior to to

the railroad warning devices (50the railroad warning devices (50--60 seconds)60 seconds)

Used to serve phases that need to be served before preUsed to serve phases that need to be served before pre--

emption beginsemption begins

Suppress phases that cannot be served during preSuppress phases that cannot be served during pre--

emption (pedestrians)emption (pedestrians)

Improves safety of separation eventImproves safety of separation event

24

Source: Sean Skehan, City of Los AngelesPreemption Time LinePreemption Time Line

Preemption Time LinePreemption Time LineSource: Sean Skehan, City of Los Angeles

AdvanceAdvancePreemptionPreemption

25

Advance PreAdvance Pre--emptionemption

LADOT Advance PreLADOT Advance Pre--emption Form Checks:emption Form Checks:

Design vehicle approaching the track has its front end Design vehicle approaching the track has its front end

past the RR warning devices before the devices start past the RR warning devices before the devices start

flashing and;flashing and;

There is enough time for a conflicting design vehicle to There is enough time for a conflicting design vehicle to

clear the intersection + enough time for the design clear the intersection + enough time for the design

vehicle to clear the trackvehicle to clear the track

NTSB finding on railroad crossing crashSource: Urban Transportation Monitor

26

Train TrackTrain Track

Left Left ––turning vehicle is ableturning vehicle is ablego past the end of the gatego past the end of the gate

27

LeftLeft--turn signal was inturn signal was inFlashing red mode duringFlashing red mode duringPreempetion sequencePreempetion sequence

Key NTSB RecommendationsKey NTSB Recommendations

Prohibit allProhibit all--red flash option during railroad hold interval red flash option during railroad hold interval ––California Department of TransportationCalifornia Department of Transportation

Add raised median on crossing approaches Add raised median on crossing approaches –– City of City of Burbank, CABurbank, CA

Limit use of allLimit use of all--red flash mode to situations in which they red flash mode to situations in which they permit drivers to stop and proceed with caution permit drivers to stop and proceed with caution –– National National Committee on UTCDCommittee on UTCD

NTSB report posted at:NTSB report posted at:www.nstb.gov/publictn/2003/HAR0304.htm www.nstb.gov/publictn/2003/HAR0304.htm

28

Automated EnforcementAutomated Enforcement

29

Automated Enforcement at a Railroad CrossingAutomated Enforcement at a Railroad Crossing

Quiet Zone CrossingsQuiet Zone Crossings

30

Quiet zone treatmentsQuiet zone treatments

Reference to Code of Federal Reference to Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR Part 222) Regulations (49 CFR Part 222) ---- quiet quiet zones established in conjunction with zones established in conjunction with restrictions on train horns at certain restrictions on train horns at certain highwayhighway--rail grade crossingsrail grade crossings

TCDs used as part of a quiet zone shall TCDs used as part of a quiet zone shall comply with MUTCD comply with MUTCD

Supplemental Safety MeasuresSupplemental Safety Measures

Four quadrant gatesFour quadrant gates

Gates with mediansGates with medians

Gates with channelizationGates with channelization

Close crossingClose crossing

31

No Train Horn Sign and Quad GatesNo Train Horn Sign and Quad Gates

Medians on crossing approachesMedians on crossing approaches

32

Quiet Zone in San DiegoQuiet Zone in San DiegoProposed ImprovementsProposed Improvements

Median ExtensionsMedian ExtensionsExit GatesExit GatesOnOn--way Streetsway StreetsPedestrian GatesPedestrian GatesConstant Warning Time on BNSFConstant Warning Time on BNSFQueue Cutter SignalsQueue Cutter SignalsPrePre--SignalsSignalsAdvance PreemptionAdvance PreemptionVehicle PresenceVehicle Presence--Based Track Clearance GreenBased Track Clearance Green

Constant Warning Time CircuitryConstant Warning Time Circuitry

33

Comprehensive Quiet Comprehensive Quiet Zone PresentationZone Presentation

““Design of Traffic Signal Improvements Next to Design of Traffic Signal Improvements Next to Railroad Crossings Railroad Crossings –– Recent Experiences in Southern Recent Experiences in Southern CaliforniaCalifornia

Eric Hankinson, P.E., President, RailPros Inc.Eric Hankinson, P.E., President, RailPros Inc.

May 13, 2008May 13, 2008

http://www.techtransfer.berkeley.edu/railroad08downlhttp://www.techtransfer.berkeley.edu/railroad08downloads/oads/

Defining Roles, ResponsibilitiesDefining Roles, Responsibilities, , and Objectivesand Objectives

Conducting Effective Conducting Effective Crossing DiagnosticsCrossing Diagnostics

Presented by:Kurt AndersonMay 13, 2008

34

What is the Diagnostic TeamWhat is the Diagnostic Team’’s s Purpose?Purpose?

RRRR‐‐Hwy Grade Crossing HandbookHwy Grade Crossing Handbook““To evaluate the crossing as to its To evaluate the crossing as to its deficiencies and develop judgmental deficiencies and develop judgmental consensus as to the recommended consensus as to the recommended improvements.improvements.””

Highway Authority/Regulatory AgencyHighway Authority/Regulatory AgencyAdvise types of vehicles, volumes and speedsAdvise types of vehicles, volumes and speeds

Proposed plans for roadway improvementsProposed plans for roadway improvements

Knowledge of traffic control systems, signs and Knowledge of traffic control systems, signs and markings for highwaymarkings for highway‐‐rail grade crossingsrail grade crossings

Advise team of specific policy & administrative rules Advise team of specific policy & administrative rules regarding modification of devicesregarding modification of devices

Diagnostic Team Roles & Diagnostic Team Roles & ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities

35

Diagnostic Team Roles & Diagnostic Team Roles & Responsibilities (Contd)Responsibilities (Contd)

RailroadRailroadAdvise team of RR operations at the crossing Advise team of RR operations at the crossing

including volumes and speedsincluding volumes and speeds

Advise team of RR circuitry and RR design Advise team of RR circuitry and RR design requirementsrequirements

Advise team of proposed RR improvementsAdvise team of proposed RR improvements

Knowledge of traffic control systems, signs and Knowledge of traffic control systems, signs and markings for highwaymarkings for highway‐‐rail grade crossingsrail grade crossings

Figure 6. Sample Questionnaire for Diagnostic Team EvaluationFigure 6. Sample Questionnaire for Diagnostic Team EvaluationLOCATIONAL DATA:LOCATIONAL DATA:Street Name: ______________________________________ City: ______Street Name: ______________________________________ City: ______________________________________________________________________Railroad: __________________________________________ Crossing NuRailroad: __________________________________________ Crossing Number: _ ________________________mber: _ ________________________VEHICLE DATA: VEHICLE DATA: No. of Approach Lanes: _______________ Approach Speed Limit: ___No. of Approach Lanes: _______________ Approach Speed Limit: _______________ AADT: _________________________ AADT: _____________Approach Curvature: _____________________________ Approach GradiApproach Curvature: _____________________________ Approach Gradient: ________________________ent: ________________________TRAIN DATA: TRAIN DATA: No. of Tracks: ________________ Train Speed Limit: _____________No. of Tracks: ________________ Train Speed Limit: ______________ Trains Per Day: ______________________ Trains Per Day: _____________________Track Gradients: _______________Track Gradients: _______________

SECTION ISECTION I——Distance Approach and Advance WarningDistance Approach and Advance Warning1. Is advance warning of railroad crossing available? If so, wha1. Is advance warning of railroad crossing available? If so, what devices are used? ____________________________t devices are used? ____________________________2. Do advance warning devices alert drivers to the presence of t2. Do advance warning devices alert drivers to the presence of the crossing and allow time to react to approaching train he crossing and allow time to react to approaching train traffic? _______________________________________________________traffic? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. Do approach grades, roadway curvature, or obstructions limit 3. Do approach grades, roadway curvature, or obstructions limit the view of advance warning devices? ____ If so, how? the view of advance warning devices? ____ If so, how? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. Are advance warning devices readable under night, rainy, snow4. Are advance warning devices readable under night, rainy, snowy, or foggy conditions? ______________________y, or foggy conditions? ______________________

SECTION IISECTION II——Immediate Highway ApproachImmediate Highway Approach1. What maximum safe approach speed will existing sight distance1. What maximum safe approach speed will existing sight distance support? ________________________________support? ________________________________2. Is that speed equal to or above the speed limit on that part 2. Is that speed equal to or above the speed limit on that part of the highway? ______________________________of the highway? ______________________________3. If not, what has been done, or reasonably could be done, to b3. If not, what has been done, or reasonably could be done, to bring this to the driverring this to the driver’’s attention? s attention? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. What restrictive obstructions to sight distance might be remo4. What restrictive obstructions to sight distance might be removed?______________________________________ ved?______________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________5. Do approach grades or roadway curvature restrict the driver5. Do approach grades or roadway curvature restrict the driver’’s view of the crossing? ________________________s view of the crossing? ________________________6. Are railroad crossing signals or other active warning devices6. Are railroad crossing signals or other active warning devices operating properly and visible to adequately warnoperating properly and visible to adequately warndrivers of approaching trains? _________________________________drivers of approaching trains? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

36

Reference: http://maps.live.com/

Alley


Alley

37


Close AlleyClose Alley

Change alignmentChange alignment

38

• Driver awareness of the Driver awareness of the crossingcrossing

•• Visibility of the crossingVisibility of the crossing

•• Effectiveness of advance Effectiveness of advance warning signs and signalswarning signs and signals

•• Geometric features of the Geometric features of the roadwayroadway

Approach ZoneApproach ZoneConsiderationsConsiderations

NonNon--Recovery Zone ConsiderationsRecovery Zone Considerations• Driver awareness of Driver awareness of approaching trains.approaching trains.•• Driver dependence on crossing Driver dependence on crossing signals.signals.•• Obstruction of view of trainObstruction of view of train’’ssapproach.approach.•• Roadway geometrics diverting Roadway geometrics diverting driver attention.driver attention.•• Potential location of standing Potential location of standing railroad cars.railroad cars.•• Possibility of removal of sightPossibility of removal of sightobstructions.obstructions.•• Availability of information for Availability of information for stop or go decision by the driver.stop or go decision by the driver.

39

Crossing Zone ConsiderationsCrossing Zone Considerations

• Sight distance down the Sight distance down the tracks.tracks.•• Pavement markings at the Pavement markings at the crossing.crossing.•• Conditions conducive to Conditions conducive to vehicles becoming stalled or vehicles becoming stalled or stopped on the crossing.stopped on the crossing.•• Operation of vehicles required Operation of vehicles required by law to stop at the crossing.by law to stop at the crossing.•• Signs and signals as fixed Signs and signals as fixed object hazards.object hazards.•• Pedestrian usage.Pedestrian usage.

40

Factors to ConsiderFactors to Consider

Closure/ConsolidationClosure/ConsolidationProximity of Adjacent Crossings (incl. type & warning Proximity of Adjacent Crossings (incl. type & warning device)device)Alternate RoutesAlternate RoutesEmergency ResponseEmergency ResponseBus Route (School, Transit)Bus Route (School, Transit)

Safety HistorySafety HistoryHighway VolumesHighway VolumesType of Hwy Traffic (Bus, Haz Mat, % Trucks)Type of Hwy Traffic (Bus, Haz Mat, % Trucks)PedestriansPedestrians

41

Factors to Consider (Contd)Factors to Consider (Contd)

Type of Railroad Traffic & VolumesType of Railroad Traffic & VolumesNight/DayNight/DayThrough/SwitchThrough/SwitchFreight/Passenger/Haz MatFreight/Passenger/Haz Mat

Number & Type of TracksNumber & Type of TracksMainlineMainlineSidingsSidingsIndustrial Lead/TrackIndustrial Lead/Track

Number & Type of Highway LanesNumber & Type of Highway LanesThroughThroughParkingParkingTurnTurn

42


Visual ObstructionsVisual ObstructionsVisual ClutterVisual ClutterAngle of CrossingAngle of CrossingAlignmentsAlignmentsHighway HorizontalHighway HorizontalHighway VerticalHighway VerticalRailroad HorizontalRailroad Horizontal

Nearby Devices (resulting in queues on tracks)Nearby Devices (resulting in queues on tracks)Stop/Yield SignsStop/Yield SignsTraffic SignalsTraffic Signals

Storage DistanceStorage Distance

Signage conflictsSignage conflicts

43


Existing Traffic Control DevicesExisting Traffic Control DevicesAdvance Warning SignsAdvance Warning SignsPavement MarkingsPavement MarkingsCrossbucksCrossbucksYield SignsYield SignsStop SignsStop SignsFlashing Light Signals (Mast Mounted/Cantilever)Flashing Light Signals (Mast Mounted/Cantilever)GatesGatesCircuitryCircuitry

Sight DistanceSight DistanceStopping Sight Distance (SSD)Stopping Sight Distance (SSD)Clearing Sight Distance (CSD)Clearing Sight Distance (CSD)

Keep Clear Keep Clear MarkingsMarkings

44

Bicycles at Railroad Bicycles at Railroad Grade CrossingsGrade Crossings

Railroad Xings at 90 degrees Railroad Xings at 90 degrees Source: MUTCDSource: MUTCD

45

Railroad Crossing for BikesRailroad Crossing for Bikes

Warnings and Behavior: A Study Warnings and Behavior: A Study of Pedestrian Behavior at Grade of Pedestrian Behavior at Grade

CrossingsCrossings

Gavin HuntleyGavin Huntley--Fenner, Ph.D.Fenner, Ph.D.Managing ScientistManaging ScientistExponent, Inc.Exponent, Inc.May, 2008May, 2008

46

CounterCounter--trend: Pedestrian incidents trend: Pedestrian incidents markedly increasedmarkedly increased

• Pedestrian incidents have increased by 20%

•• Constitute between

10% and 20% of all incidents

In the same time frameMV incidents fell

by about 6%

Pattern of pedestrian incidents Pattern of pedestrian incidents --counter intuitive counter intuitive

• Similar numbers of motor vehicle incidents at gates & crossbucks

• 10x more pedestrian incidents with gated crossings than with crossbucks

905

10

865

123

1

10

100

1000

MotorVehicles

Pedestrians

# of

inci

dent

s

Crossbucks onlyGates

2005 FRA data; Y axis is in log scale – PUBLIC & PRIVATE crossings combined

Federal Railroad Administration. (December 2006). Railroad Safety Statistics 2005 Final Report . U.S. Department of Transportation. Washington, D.C.

48

Train TracksTrain Tracks

Source: RailroadSource: Railroad--Highway Grade Crossing HandbookHighway Grade Crossing Handbook

49

Source: RailroadSource: Railroad--Highway Grade Crossing HandbookHighway Grade Crossing Handbook

Arm block travel Arm block travel lanes and sidewalklanes and sidewalk

50

http://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/safety/Jan08_Ped_Devices_at_GX2.pdf

Source: Compilation of Pedestrian SafetyDevices in Use at Grade Crossings

51

Source: Compilation of Pedestrian SafetyDevices in Use at Grade Crossings

PedestrianPedestrianArmArm

2009 MUTCD2009 MUTCD

PROPOSED CHANGES TO PARTS 8 and 10PROPOSED CHANGES TO PARTS 8 and 10HIGHWAYHIGHWAY--RAIL GRADE CROSSINGSRAIL GRADE CROSSINGS

LIGHT RAIL LIGHT RAIL -- TRANSIT GRADE CROSSINGSTRANSIT GRADE CROSSINGS

Rick CampbellRick CampbellChairmanChairman

Railroad & Light Rail Transit Technical CommitteeRailroad & Light Rail Transit Technical CommitteeNational Committee on Uniform Traffic Control DevicesNational Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

May 14, 2008May 14, 2008

52

Revisions toRevisions toPart 8 Part 8 ––

Traffic Controls for HighwayTraffic Controls for Highway--Rail CrossingsRail Crossings

STOP or YIELD signs shall be posted at STOP or YIELD signs shall be posted at all passive grade crossingsall passive grade crossings

2.8 m (9 ft)*

50 mm (2 in) white orred retroreflective stripon front

OR

0.6 m (2 ft)**MAX.

Edge of roadway

�50 mm (2 in) white retroreflective stripon back of support

See notes

53

Passive CrossingPassive Crossing

54

Red lettering Red lettering allowed on allowed on Crossbuck Crossbuck

signssigns

Supplemental plaques describing the type Supplemental plaques describing the type of control shall be used with advance of control shall be used with advance

warning signswarning signs

55

LOOK signs may be mounted on a LOOK signs may be mounted on a separate sign postseparate sign post

This change was needed because other changes require other signs to be placed on the Cross buck assembly and

there would be insufficient space for the LOOK sign.

Stop lines shall Stop lines shall be used on be used on

paved roadways paved roadways at crossings at crossings controlled by controlled by

active devicesactive devicesPavementMarkingSymbol*(See Figure 8B-8)

On multi-lane roads, the transverse bandsshould extend across all approach lanes, andindividual RXR symbols should be used ineach approach lane.

Note: In an effort to simplify thefigure to show warning signand pavement markingplacement, not all required trafficcontrol devices are shown.

Legend

Direction of travel

* When used, a portion of thepavement marking symbolshould be directly opposite theAdvance Warning Sign (W10-1).If needed, supplementalpavement marking symbol(s)may be placed between theAdvance Warning Sign and thecrossing, but should be at least15 m (50 ft) from the stop line.

7.5 m(25 ft)

7.5 m(25 ft)

15 m(50 ft)

SeeChapter 2C,Table 2C-4

approx.4.6 m (15 ft)

DynamicEnvelopePavementMarking(optional)

A three-lane roadway should be marked with acenter line for two-lane approach operation onthe approach to a crossing.

Yield lines shall be used instead of stoplines if YIELD signs are used at the crossing.

Stop line approximately2.4 m (8 ft) from gate(if present)

1.8 m (6 ft)

1.8 m (6 ft)

TrainDynamicEnvelope

0.6 m(2 ft)

0.6 m(2 ft)

0.6 m(2 ft)

(optional)

56

Stripes on gate Stripes on gate arms shall be arms shall be

verticalvertical

For locating this reference line at other than curb section installation, see Section 8C.01.

200 mm(8 in)

300 mm(12 in)

5.2 m (17 ft)MIN.

CLEARANCEABOVECROWN

OFROADWAY

100 mm(4 in) MAX.

ABOVEGROUND

LEVELCROWN OF ROADWAY

1.1 m (3.5 ft) MIN.1.4 m (4.5 ft) MAX.

Dimension A-B-C and length asappropriate for approaching traffic

A B C

CL OF LIGHT

0.6 m (2 ft)

2.3 m (7.5 ft) MIN.2.8 m (9.5 ft) MAX.

375 mm (15 in)

1.3 m (4.25 ft) MAX.

635 mm(25.4 in) MAX.

750 mm(30 in)

Edge ofbackgroundor partnearestroadway

Where gates are located in the median,additional median width may be requiredto provide the minimum clearance for thecounterweight supports.

Length as specified

BackBack--up power should be provided for up power should be provided for signals with railroad preemptionsignals with railroad preemption

57

Grade crossings within or in close Grade crossings within or in close proximity to roundabouts, traffic circles, proximity to roundabouts, traffic circles,

or circular intersectionsor circular intersections

Engineering study required to evaluate potential Engineering study required to evaluate potential queuingqueuing

If queues impact crossing, provisions shall be If queues impact crossing, provisions shall be made to clear highway traffic from the crossing made to clear highway traffic from the crossing before train arrivalsbefore train arrivals

Recommend not constructing a roundabout if Recommend not constructing a roundabout if there is a railroad close enough that the queue there is a railroad close enough that the queue from the roundabout will crossing the tracksfrom the roundabout will crossing the tracks

Railroad XingRailroad Xing

When a long train uses the crossing, traffic backsWhen a long train uses the crossing, traffic backsup into the roundabout all traffic comes to a standstillup into the roundabout all traffic comes to a standstill

58

Train through a roundabout. This is for a light rail Train through a roundabout. This is for a light rail operation. operation.

Traffic Control Signal Warrant 9Traffic Control Signal Warrant 9(MUTCD Part 4)(MUTCD Part 4)

Provides for the installation of a traffic control signal at an intersection where a highway-rail grade crossing is adjacent to the intersection

Utilized where traffic volumes are low enough not to warrant a traffic control signal in existing warrants 1 through 8

Provides a means to clear vehicles from the track with an approaching train through interconnection and preemption

59

Downstream Stop ControlDownstream Stop Control

New Chapter on PathwayNew Chapter on Pathway--Rail Grade Rail Grade CrossingsCrossings

60

Recent Publications on Recent Publications on Railroad CrossingsRailroad Crossings

ITE Recommended Practice on Railroad Preemption

61

http://www.ite.org/bookstore/gradecrossing/lo_res_RR_BOOK.pdf

http://cms.transportation.org/sites/scote/docs/twgreport.pdf

62

DOT/FRA/ORD-06/27

DOT-VNTSC-FRA-06-03

Public Education and Enforcement Research Study Sposato et al

DOT/FRA/ORD-07/06

DOT-VNTSC-FRA-07-04

State of the Art Technologies for Obstacle and Intrusion Detection for

Railroad OperationsdaSilva et al

DOT/FRA/ORD-06/03

DOT-VNTSC-FRA-05-07

Railroad Infrastructure Trespass Detection Systems Research in

Pittsford, New YorkdaSilva et al

DOT/FRA/ORD-06/02

DOT-VNTSC-FRA-06-02

San Joaquin, California, High-Speed Rail Grade Crossing Data Acquisition: Characteristics, Methodology and Risk

Assessment

Hellman et al

DOT/FRA/ORD-07/09

DOT-VNTSC-FRA-03-04

Evaluation of the School Street Four-Quadrant Gate/In-Cab Signaling Grade

Crossing SystemHellman et al

FRA Report Number

Volpe Report NumberReport TitleAuthor

Recent FRA/Volpe PublicationsRecent FRA/Volpe Publications


Volpe Center

63

Railroad Infrastructure Trespass Detection Performance GuidelinesdaSilva et al

Illinois Four-Quadrant Gate AnalysisHellman et al

Crossing Consolidation GuidelinesSposato et al

Success Factors in the Reduction of Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Incidents from 1994 to 2003

Sposato et al

Private Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Research and InquiryPeck et al

Test Methods Handbook for Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Applications & Pocket GuideHellman et al

FRA Report

Number

Volpe Report

NumberReport TitleAuthor

Source: Ms. Anya A. Carroll, Principal InvestigatorActing Deputy Director, Office of Surface Transportation

Programs, Volpe Center

UpcomingUpcoming Publications & ExamplesPublications & Examples

http://www.fra.dot.gov/Downloads/Counsel/Human_Factors_Final_Rule.pdf

64

QUESTIONS ?QUESTIONS ?

improving safety at railroad highway grade · pdf fileimproving safety at railroad highway...

Documents