Athens Avenue / Athens Avenue / UPRR Grade UPRR Grade Separation Separation

Feasibility StudyFeasibility StudyThunder Valley CasinoThunder Valley Casino

RR CrossingRR Crossing

At-Grade Crossing

Existing X-ing Existing X-ing Configuration Configuration

Automatic GatesAutomatic Gates Median Separation Median Separation Standard, Standard,

cantilever, and cantilever, and advance signalsadvance signals

Traffic Signal Pre-Traffic Signal Pre-emptionemption

Additional Signs Additional Signs and Markingsand Markings

Existing Casino LayoutExisting Casino Layout

Casino ExpansionCasino Expansion

475,000 s.f. Casino475,000 s.f. Casino 650 Room Hotel650 Room Hotel 3000 Seat Performing Arts Center3000 Seat Performing Arts Center 5000 Space Garage5000 Space Garage

Worst Case Traffic Worst Case Traffic ConditionsConditions

Future Saturday EveningFuture Saturday Evening Future Saturday Evening with Event Future Saturday Evening with Event

at 3000 seat Performing Arts Centerat 3000 seat Performing Arts Center

Collision HistoryCollision History

43 collisions in 5 year period at or near 43 collisions in 5 year period at or near the crossingthe crossing

Half were rear-endHalf were rear-end Others include sideswipe, broadside, Others include sideswipe, broadside,

overturn, head-on, ran off road, striking overturn, head-on, ran off road, striking fixed object, and striking a pedestrianfixed object, and striking a pedestrian

None reported to interfere with the RR None reported to interfere with the RR crossingcrossing

In 2003 – 28 UPRR cars derailed In 2003 – 28 UPRR cars derailed adjacent to the crossing. adjacent to the crossing.

Criteria to Close CrossingCriteria to Close Crossing(one or more)(one or more)

Nearby crossing is available w/ Nearby crossing is available w/ acceptable accessacceptable access

Cost to upgrade the crossing exceeds Cost to upgrade the crossing exceeds cost of an acceptable alternate access cost of an acceptable alternate access

Combination of low volume, close Combination of low volume, close alternative access, and limited alternative access, and limited increase in trip lengthincrease in trip length

Crossing blocked excessively by train Crossing blocked excessively by train but not feasible to grade separatebut not feasible to grade separateSource: GUIDANCE ON TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSINGS – HIGHWAY/RAIL GRADE CROSSING TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP (TWG), November 2002

Criteria for Grade Criteria for Grade SeparationSeparation

(one or more) (one or more) Part of Interstate Highway SystemPart of Interstate Highway System Limited accessLimited access High vehicle speed or volumeHigh vehicle speed or volume High train speed or volumeHigh train speed or volume Combination of train and vehicle Combination of train and vehicle

volume (exposure) volume (exposure) Expected accident frequency (EAF)Expected accident frequency (EAF) High vehicle delay / Poor LOSHigh vehicle delay / Poor LOS

Source: ibid.

At Grade AlternativesAt Grade Alternatives

Backup queue detectorsBackup queue detectors Advance arrival and delay Advance arrival and delay

informationinformation In pavement flashing lightsIn pavement flashing lights Vehicle arrest barrierVehicle arrest barrier Changeable message signsChangeable message signs Access and turn prohibitionsAccess and turn prohibitions Customer educationCustomer education

Grade Separated Grade Separated AlternativesAlternatives

Full separation overFull separation over Partial separation overPartial separation over Full separation underFull separation under Partial separation underPartial separation under

Design ConstraintsDesign Constraints

Limited right of wayLimited right of way Access to adjacent propertiesAccess to adjacent properties High water tableHigh water table Min. railroad clearance Min. railroad clearance UtilitiesUtilities WetlandsWetlands Future roadway wideningFuture roadway widening

Three Alternatives Three Alternatives EvaluatedEvaluated

Full Grade Separated: Entire Athens Full Grade Separated: Entire Athens Avenue / Industrial Avenue Avenue / Industrial Avenue intersection elevatedintersection elevated

Three Alternatives Three Alternatives EvaluatedEvaluated

Full Grade Separated: Only Full Grade Separated: Only movements that go over RR tracksmovements that go over RR tracks

Three Alternatives Three Alternatives EvaluatedEvaluated

Partial Grade Separated: major NB Partial Grade Separated: major NB to WB and EB to SB over RR tracksto WB and EB to SB over RR tracks

Alternatives Considered Alternatives Considered But Not AdvancedBut Not Advanced

Depress Athens Avenue / Industrial Depress Athens Avenue / Industrial Avenue and RR crossing under Avenue and RR crossing under tracks.tracks.

Depress RR tracksDepress RR tracks Upgrade alternative crossing in lieu Upgrade alternative crossing in lieu

of Athens Avenue / Industrial Avenue of Athens Avenue / Industrial Avenue RR crossingRR crossing

Alternative 1Alternative 1

Alternative 2Alternative 2

Alternative 3Alternative 3

RankingRankingFilter Criteria Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

Meets Purpose and Need Very Positive Positive Negative

Engineering Feasibility Positive Positive Very Negative

Constructability Positive Positive Neutral

Right-of-Way Positive Negative Very Negative

Access Positive Positive Negative

Environmental Impacts Neutral Neutral Positive

Railroad Impacts Very Positive Positive Negative

Traffic Improvements Positive Positive Very Positive

Safety Improvements Positive Positive Negative

Cost Estimate Neutral Very Negative Neutral

Recommended Recommended AlternativeAlternative

Near Term – backup queue Near Term – backup queue detection, in-pavement lights, detection, in-pavement lights, customer educationcustomer education

Long Term – Alternative 1 - $42 Long Term – Alternative 1 - $42 MillionMillion