Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Analysis for Corridor Planning Projects

The railroad-highway grade crossing constitutes a unique type of intersection of two transportation modes that differ in physical characteristics and operations. The procedures for evaluating railroad-highway grade crossings are generally based upon physical and operational characteristics of individual crossings. Implementation of a new commuter rail service requires performing rail crossing assessment to ensure meeting current design and safety standards. This paper summarizes an evaluation methodology for conducting a railroad-highway grade crossing analysis applied to corridor planning projects involving commuter rail as an existing or potential mode. The methodology consists of obtaining existing conditions data, field visits and evaluation of each grade crossing to provide preliminary recommendations to enhance safety and operations. The methodology is illustrated by being applied to a hypothetical example condition. Recommendations for improvements to the railroad-highway grade crossings are based on state and federal policies and guidelines, industry practices and current automatic highway warning device technologies. The specific recommendations for each railroad-highway grade crossing using the methodology presented in this paper should not be considered final and approved. Further evaluation of existing conditions and proposed commuter rail and freight operations are required to refine design recommendations.