This research project evaluated the long term rideability improvement and material performance of proprietary high-type railroad crossings. A total of 7 different high-type surfaces were evaluated for a minimum of five years. Rideability was determined subjectively by driving over the crossing at the posted speed limit and at a standard 25 mph speed limit. The estimated total number of equivalent 18-kip single axle loads (ESALs) was also calculated for each crossing's service life. Crossing performance was affected by poor subgrade conditions, poor or clogged drainage systems, poor approach pavement transitions, and deteriorated pavement approach to crossing panel joints (header boards). Generally, the proprietary crossings manufactured by Goodyear and Red Hawk (now OMNI) were concluded to have the best performance in this evaluation. Both of these crossings exhibited good material durability, and good traffic load carrying performance. (Author/publisher)
Abstract