Potential of auxiliary strobe lights on train locomotives to improve level crossing safety

Silla, Anne; Dreßler, Annika; Lehtonen, Esko; Virtanen, A.; Mesimäki, Johannes; Grippenkoven, Jan

doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103767

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…In addition, at certain crossings, devices such as object markers, delineators, speed reduction devices, vehicle-activated strobe lights, sidewalk gates, and bollards are utilized to increase safety. These are generally used in highrisk HRGCs and depend on the tra c volume and safety requirements during certain times of the day and night (Silla et al 2022).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling Highway-Rail Grade Crossing (HRGC) Crash Frequency

Soltaninejad,

Salum,

Kodi

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Substantial research in highway safety has focused on roadway crash frequency analysis; however, only a few studies have focused on the safety at highway-rail grade crossings (HRGCs). This study aimed to determine factors affecting the frequency of crashes at HRGCs. The statistical modeling and analysis were based on five years of HRGC crashes (2017–2021) that occurred on state-maintained HRGCs in Florida. Police reports of 2,092 crashes flagged as "railroad crossing" were downloaded and reviewed. The manual review of the police reports indicated that only 1,690 reports were classified as HRGC crashes. The Bayesian negative binomial model was applied to identify various contributing factors associated with the frequency of HRGC crashes. The following variables significantly increase the number of HRGC crashes: high-speed facilities, number of tracks, facilities with 4 to 5 lanes, presence of railroad crossing gates, proximity to a traffic control signal, and high traffic volume. To mitigate these risks, engineering treatments such as improved signing and pavement markings and implementation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies are recommended.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling Highway-Rail Grade Crossing (HRGC) Crash Frequency

Soltaninejad,

Salum,

Kodi

et al. 2024

Preprint

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“…A level crossing with a detection point adjusted to the highest possible train speed is inefficient, especially when a stop is behind a detection point, which causes the level crossing to close when the train is standing next to the platform. Recent proposed safety measures in level crossings consider the use of strobe lights on train locomotives [1]. Many studies have been conducted on obstacle detection at level crossings; for example, in [2], using surveillance cameras already mounted on level crossings to detect road vehicles in the collision area.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Recent proposed safety measures in level crossings consider the use of strobe lights on train locomotives [ 1 ]. Many studies have been conducted on obstacle detection at level crossings; for example, in [ 2 ], using surveillance cameras already mounted on level crossings to detect road vehicles in the collision area.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A New Form of Train Detection as a Solution to Improve Level Crossing Closing Time

Zawodny

Kruszyna

Szczepanek

et al. 2023

Sensors

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The critical points on the rail and road network are their intersections, i.e., level crossings. During a train crossing, car traffic is stopped. This reduces the fluidity of traffic on the road and, consequently, can cause congestion. The problem increases with the number of cars and trains. Frequently, due to national regulations, level crossing closure times are long. It is mainly dictated by safety issues. Building two-level intersections is not always a good solution, mainly because of the high cost of implementation. In the article, the authors proposed the use of sensors to reduce level crossing closure times and improve the Level of Service on the road network. The analyzed railroad lines are local agglomeration lines, mainly due to safety (low speed of commuter trains) and high impact on the road network. The sensors proposed in the article are based on radar/LIDAR. Formulas similar to HCM methods are proposed, which can be implemented in a railroad crossing controller. Simulations using the PTV Vissim program are carried out and the results are worked out based on the obtained data. The considered method can reduce the level crossing closure time by 68.6%, thereby increasing the Level of Service on roads near railroads.

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