Abstract
This report, the first volume of a two-volume study, examines the potential for reduction of the cost of installing and maintaining automatic gates at railroad-highway grade crossings. It comprises a general overview, a review of current practices, equipment, and standards; a consideration of modification of existing specifications to permit use of alternative technologies; the generation of design concepts for new gate systems or subsystems intended to offer significant economic benefits; an analysis and comparative evaluation of the more promising concepts; and conclusions concerning further design, development, and test activities.