SUPERVISED INTERCONNECTION CIRCUITS AT HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSINGS
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
1999
Subject Area
operations - traffic, infrastructure - bus/tram priority, infrastructure - traffic signals, planning - safety/accidents, mode - rail
Keywords
Traffic signal priority systems, Traffic signal preemption, Traffic safety, Railroad grade crossings, Preemption (Traffic signals), Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Level crossings, Interconnection (Electric power), Improvements, Highway railroad grade crossings, Highway rail intersections, Grade crossings, Electric circuits, Circuits (Electricity)
Abstract
After the tragic 1995 collision between a school bus and a commuter train outside of Chicago, Illinois, much attention has been given to the subject of highway-rail grade crossing safety. The 1988 edition of the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways" (MUTCD) addresses traffic signal preemption for intersections near grade crossings as well as the electrical circuit or "interconnection" that makes traffic signal preemption possible. The objective of this study is to examine the basic interconnection circuit, as defined in the MUTCD, and explore some of its limitations. Possible improvements to the basic interconnection circuit are presented and evaluated.
Recommended Citation
Mansel, D, Waight, V, Sharkey, J. (1999). SUPERVISED INTERCONNECTION CIRCUITS AT HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSINGS. Transportation Research Record, Vol. 1692, p. 74-81.
