Previous work on four quadrant gate railroad highway grade crossing operating parameters led to development and validation of simulation models. The simulation models determine gate delay and gate interval time that establishes critical speeds at which passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles operating within defined driver behaviors may become trapped at four quadrant gate crossings. Determination of a minimum critical speed and associated gate operational parameters, train operation, and modeled escape sequence is used to suggest parameters for the overall design and operation of a trapped vehicle detection system. Two train operating scenarios are evaluated, the first provides no deceleration when a trapped vehicle is detected. The second scenario has the train decelerate when a trapped vehicle is detected. The overall distance requirements for location of sensors to provide train control and implement a trapped vehicle detection system is the objective of this paper. (A*)
Abstract