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Jason Field, PE Moffatt & Nichol
[email protected] (919) 781-4626
Creative People, Practical Solutions.
Challenges of Short Storage Crossings
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Definition of Short Storage : Short roadway segment of 200 feet or less between the tracks and the adjacent intersection, which creates the potential for traffic stopping at a stop sign or traffic signal to queue across the tracks
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Soooo, what does “Short Storage” actually mean?
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Definition of Short Storage : Impact for trucks per the CFR – “to prohibit a motor vehicle driver from entering onto a highway-rail grade crossing unless there is sufficient space to drive completely through the grade crossing without stopping…”
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So what other issues are there with Short Storage Crossings?
• Heavier conflict zones
• Hump crossing
• Driver information overload
• Roundabouts
• Crashes?
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• PER FHWA’S “Roundabouts: An Informational Guide”
• “It is noted that intersections with rail lines passing through them or near them are NOT desirable.”
• “Locating any intersection near an at-grade railroad crossing is generally discouraged.”
So what other issues are there with Short Storage Crossings?
• Heavier conflict zone
• Hump crossing
• Driver information overload
• Roundabouts
• Crashes?
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Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should….
So what other issues are there with Short Storage Crossings?
Photographer not known. Tasmania Photographer not known. Gibralter
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So what other issues are there with Short Storage Crossings?
• Heavier conflict zone
• Hump crossing
• Driver information overload
• Roundabouts
• Crashes?
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Ultimately the driver is in control. • Each driver has complete control (usually) of their vehicle.
• We all have to be trained on safe operation to get a license.
• CDL requires a higher level of understanding.
• Why is so little consideration given to crossing a railroad track?
• The majority of crossing collisions result from the roadway vehicle
operator making a poor decision.
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Bag of tricks to improve the situation… • Restrict vehicles?
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Bag of tricks to improve the situation… • Restrict vehicles?
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Bag of tricks to improve the situation… • Restrict vehicles?
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Bag of tricks to improve the situation… • Add more signage?
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Bag of tricks to improve the situation… • Relocate stop line?
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Bag of tricks to improve the situation… • Yield vs. Stop?
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Bag of tricks to improve the situation… • Exit gate detection?
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Bag of tricks to improve the situation… • Preempted traffic signal? • Simultaneous vs
Advanced?
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Bag of tricks to improve the situation… • Preempted traffic signal?
• DC Backup • Cost • Timing with other signals • More to maintain
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Bag of tricks to improve the situation… • Queue cutter? • Pre signal?
Photo from FHWA.
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Bag of tricks to improve the situation… • Build an escape route? • Restrict left turns?
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Bag of tricks to improve the situation… • Road realignment?
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Bag of tricks to improve the situation… • Grade separation?
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Bag of tricks to improve the situation… • Closure?