TCRP Report 69 ,“Light Rail Service:Pedestrian and Vehicular Safety,” provides documentation and presents the results of a study to improve the safety of light rail transit (LRT) in semi-exclusive rights-of-way where light rail vehicles (LRVs) operate at speeds greater than 35 mph through crossings with streets and pedestrians pathways. This report also presents the results of field tests conducted to improve the safety of higher speed LRT systems through grade crossing design. The results of a “before and after ”evaluation of the effectiveness of presignals at highway-rail grade crossings on motorist behaviour at two locations are discussed. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of presignals and were used to develop recommended guidelines for presignal installation. The guidelines may be considered in planning and designing of new LRT systems or in retrofitting and extending existing LRT systems. Even though most light rail transit (LRT) systems operate in exclusive or semi-exclusive rights-of-way that permit higher speeds, there is still interaction with motorists, pedestrians,and bicyclists at grade crossings and in the vicinity of stations. Safety improvements previously identified in TCRP Report 17 ,“Integration of Light Rail Transit into City Streets,”do not always apply at higher speed operations at grade crossings on semi-exclusive rights-of-way. Higher speed LRT grade crossings are often treated as standard railroad crossings, but LRT systems and light rail vehicles (LRVs) have operating characteristics different from both freight and passenger rail. Typically, LRVs operate more frequently and in shorter trains. Thus,to improve safety and reduce incidents involving LRVs, motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists within this environment, further research into traffic control devices, enforcement techniques,and public education is needed. Korve Engineering,Inc., in association with Richards and Associates, Interactive Elements, and University of North Carolina, Highway Safety Research Centre, formed the research team for TCRP Project A-13 and prepared the final report. To achieve the project objectives of identifying, validating,and recommending safety enhancements that will reduce incidents at higher speed grade crossing involving LRVs, motor vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles, the researchers conducted literature reviews and field observations. Additionally, analysis of video tapes and structured interviews with officials representing 11 LRT agencies in the United States were performed. Chapter 3, the application guidelines, focuses on six principal areas: •LRT system design; •LRT system operation and maintenance; •Traffic signal placement and operation; •Automatic gate placement; •Pedestrian control (including specific guidelines for selecting among the various pedestrian control devices); and •Public education and enforcement. Recent developments in Intelligent Transportation System architecture in the context of LRT crossings are also discussed in this report. (A)
Abstract