DESIGN OF TRAFFIC INTERFACE ON THE BANFIELD LIGHT RAIL PROJECT

The methods developed to handle the traffic interface are the key to effective low-cost LRT. LRT designers are often faced, in varying degrees, with the traditional opposition of traffic engineers to transit priority, with the massive bias against railroad crossings arising from many generations of railroad grade-crossing elimination programs, and with the residual memories of the shortcomings of the old-fashioned streetcars. However, reviewing the LRT designs during the last decade, steady progress in low-cost design and traffic control techniques can be detected as successive projects have come into service. Tri-Met confidently expects that its Banfield line will be one further step in this process of evolution. (Author)