ITS APPLICATIONS TO HIGH SPEED RAIL GRADE CROSSING SAFETY

The study considers the information gathering and communication and response needed for safety at highway-rail crossings. Technologies for low-cost, high-safety treatments for low volume highway crossings of higher speed (130-200 kph, 80-124 mph) rail are examined. Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies are examined for applicability to the information gathering, communicating, and control functions of grade crossing safety. Preliminary guidelines are offered for low volume crossings of high speed rail lines. A preliminary cost benefit analysis is presented. Above 200 kph, crossing closure or grade separation is required. In the range of 130-200 kph, ITS technologies have the potential to greatly enhance crossing safety at much lower cost than grade separation. Increased traveler information and four quadrant warning gages can increase motorist compliance at crossings where trains operate up to 175 kph (108 mph). Above this, barriers can protect rail movements. Video monitoring and detection systems can provide reliable, redundant information to automatic train stop systems should a vehicle become trapped in a crossing.