Author: Fred F. Small, Bruce F. George, Stephen S. Roop

Date of Publication:  1998

Sponsoring Agency:  U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Highway Administration, Texas Transportation Institute

Abstract:

In September 1997, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (US DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) sponsored a pre-scan technology assessment mission to five European countries to survey their practices relative to safety at “level crossings,” the European term for the intersection of railroad and highway facilities at-grade. These unique features of the transportation system present an intermodal transportation problem in this country that is both operationally challenging and legally and politically contentious. It is hoped that by visiting highway and railroad professionals in Europe that new insights into practical and transferable procedures, policies and technologies might be obtained.

The goal of a “pre-scan” is to determine if sufficient potential exists, in terms of new or different technologies, applications and/or program policies and procedures, to justify a full team technology scan. A full team scan would consist of 8-12 individuals from different groups having interests in the subject(s) to be scanned. Typically represented would be State and local governments and/or associations, academia, related product manufacturers, involved Federal agencies and, in this case, railroads. Full scan procedures would call for a visit to, and formal briefing of, host country officials concerning the Team’s interests, followed by reciprocal briefings, site visits, product reviews and discussion. A formal report would be prepared and published subsequent to the Team’s return. The pre-scan is expected to produce a synopsis report and a recommendation and rationale regarding the potential for sending a full Team.

This pre-scan included visits to five countries; Denmark, The Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and Spain. These countries were selected based on their extensive rail networks and on their reported success in mitigating the problem of level crossings through both technical and policy innovations. The mission was undertaken with a full appreciation of the differences in ownership, decision-making, and policy formulation which exist between European rail operations and those found in the United States. Nevertheless, it was felt that European experience could provide relevant insights into the effective treatment of a difficult problem - one that western European countries have steadily diminished for many years through concerted closure programs, grade separation programs and programs of technical and signaling improvements.
 

No. of Pages:  25