Saving Lives at Rail Intersections and Rights-of-Way
Railroad grade crossings present a significant hazard to motor vehicle users, trespassers, and pedestrians, as well as to rail passengers and crew. In 2006, there were a total of 2,927 incidents at railroad grade crossings, both public and private, resulting in 369 fatalities and 1,036 injuries. Additionally, according to the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) Office of Safety Analysis, there were 989 trespass casualties: 518 fatalities and 471 injuries. With the increased development of high-speed passenger-rail corridors, the risk posed by railroad right-of-way (ROW) infrastructure will become even greater, since rail passengers will be more susceptible to injury and fatality.
The Volpe Center provides technical research support to FRA in the Highway Rail Intersection (HRI) and ROW Program. Volpe Center technical experts examine all areas related to ROW, including highway-rail intersections and trespass. One major effort focuses on acquiring a better understanding of the risks presented by ROW in order to determine how best to decrease or eliminate these risk factors. Research also covers visual and audio warnings, motorvehicle and train-presence detection, crossing geometry, and crossing gate and flashing-light technologies.
This multiyear railroad ROW infrastructure safety program also encompasses system operations analysis;technology development, assessment, and implementation; and advanced technology opportunities. The primary objective is to identify technologies, methodologies, and hardware that will help to increase safety and continue the downward trend of collisions and fatalities.
A trespass detection and deterrent system installed on a railroad bridge in Pittsford, New York. This equipment allows railroad security to remotely monitor ROW and respond to incidents effectively. (
Volpe Center photos)
