What are Highway-Rail Intersection Technologies?

• Inductive loop detectors, digital data communications, railway transponders, train location systems, radio, and wireless transmitters are ITS technologies used at Highway-Rail Intersections (HRI) to enforce safety, efficiency, productivity, control, and communication. See our Telecommunications Diagram on HRI for more information.

Key Results

• Accidents at Highway-Rail Intersections are a continuing problem in the United States.

• Many new ITS technologies are replacing more archaic warning signals at Highway-Rail Intersections throughout the US.

• The implementation of ITS technologies such as Automated Enforcement at Lowered Crossings reduces risky roadway driver behavior while other technologies, like the Vehicle Proximity Alert System, need further testing to demonstrate usability.

• ITS technologies are continually combined and integrated in many ways, making testing and implementation an extensive and on-going process.

Benefits

• Safety: Accident, injury, fatality reduction and prevention; Increased roadway driver awareness.
• Efficiency: Exchange of real-time data between train and traffic controllers at HRI; Reduced risk for manufacturers and implementers; People and goods effectively moved per unit time.
• Productivity: Cost reduction in transportation of goods and people.
• Control: More interoperable and coordinated transportation systems; ITS tracks and monitors train activity.
• Communication: Real-time communication between train operators, traffic control centers, and roadway vehicles.

Costs

• The cost of ITS technologies applied to HRI depends on a number of factors, including the equipment used, location and duration of testing, and personnel involved.

Implementation and Operational Challenges

• There is no coordinated and interoperable nationwide system for ITS technologies at HRI.

• Human factors are largely responsible for accidents, injuries and fatalities at HRI. Such factors, including roadway driver confusion and train operator errors, are difficult to predict and control.

Where is it Implemented?

• Automated Enforcement of Lowered Crossing Gates: Los Angeles, CA
• Vehicle Proximity Alert System (VPAS): Pueblo, Colorado
• Positive Train Separation: Blaine, Washington to Pasco, Washington
• Advanced Warning for Railroad Delays (AWARD): San Antonio, TX
• Second Train Coming (STC): Maryland and Los Angeles, CA
• Vehicle Alert System: Minnesota and Gary-Chicago-Milwaukee Corridor
• Four Quadrant Gate System with Obstacle Detection and Train Control: Groton, Connecticut
• Non-Intrusive Train Detection: Moorhead, Minnesota
• Intelligent Grade Crossing integrated with other ITS technologies: New York

Author: Lauren Smith
            Last Update: 11/1/01