Rail-highway Crossing Safety

Rail-highway Crossing Safety
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 64
Release: 1994
Genre: Railroad accidents
ISBN:

This Action Plan presents a multi-faceted, multi-modal approach for improving safety at our nation's highway-rail crossings and for the prevention of trespassing on the rights-of-way of our nation's railroads. It is multi-faceted in that it presents enforcement, engineering, education, research, promotional and legislative initiatives addressing crossings of both light and conventional rail rights-of-way by public and private streets and highways. The objectives were to reduce the number of highway-rail crossing accidents and casualties while not impeding, but facilitating, the contribution potential of the highway and rail infrastructure on the nation's economy.

Low Volume Grade Crossing Treatments for the Oregon High Speed Rail Corridor

Low Volume Grade Crossing Treatments for the Oregon High Speed Rail Corridor
Author: David D. Zaworski
Publisher:
Total Pages: 192
Release: 1996
Genre: High speed trains
ISBN:

This study defines the information gathering and communication and response needed for safety at highway-rail crossings. It examines technologies for low-cost, high-safety treatments for low volume highway crossings of higher speed (130-200 kph) rail. Crossing closure and consolidation is a necessary first step. Existing train control and crossing safety systems are examined. Intelligent Transportation System technologies are examined for applicability to the information gathering, communicating, and control functions of grade crossing safety. Guidelines are offered for low volume crossings of the high speed rail line in Oregon. A preliminary cost benefit analysis is presented. Above 200kph, crossing closure or grade separation is required. In the range of 130-200 kph, ITS technologies have the potential to enhance crossing safety at much lower cost than grade separation. A global positioning system based positive train control system provides the train location and speed information needed for advanced crossing control. A traffic management center can receive train and crossing information, operate crossing systems, and grant clearance for train or highway users through the crossing. Remote lock gates provide safety at private crossings. Increased traveler information and four quadrant warning gates increase motorist compliance at public crossings. At train speeds above 175 kph, barrier gates protect rail movements. Video monitoring and detection systems provide reliable, redundant information should a vehicle become trapped in a crossing.

Assessment of Risks for High-Speed Rail Grade Crossings on the Empire Corridor

Assessment of Risks for High-Speed Rail Grade Crossings on the Empire Corridor
Author: U.s. Department of Transportation
Publisher: CreateSpace
Total Pages: 52
Release: 2014-06-19
Genre: Reference
ISBN: 9781499334197

The report describes a risk-based approach for assessing the implications of higher train speeds on highway-railroad grade crossing safety, and allocating limited resources to best reduce this risk. Toe prevent accident frequency, and existing DOT model was extend to include higher speeds.