Authors: Transit Cooperative Research Program

Date of Publication:  1999

Sponsoring Agency:  U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration

Abstract:

This report contains information to facilitate the safe, orderly, and integrated movement of all traffic, including light rail vehicles (LRVs), throughout the public highway system, but especially at light rail transit (LRT) crossings. This report is intended to assist those involved in the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of LRT systems by providing a consistent set of guidelines and standards for LRT operations through higher speed LRT crossings.

This report discusses findings from research performed under TCRP Project A-13, Light Rail Service: Vehicular and Pedestrian Safety. TCRP Project A-13 research addresses the safety and operating experience of LRT systems with LRVs operating on semi-exclusive rights-of-way at speeds greater than 55 km/h (35 mph). The analysis in this report reflects interviews with LRT agency officials, field observations, and analysis of accident records and accident rates at 11 LRT systems in the United States and Canada. The 11 systems— Baltimore, Calgary (Canada), Dallas, Denver, Edmonton (Canada), Los Angeles, Portland, St. Louis, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Jose— represent a broad range of current LRT
operating practices and situations.

The survey of the 11 LRT systems revealed a wide variation in operating practices, safety issues and concerns, accident experience, and innovative safety features. Because situations and contexts at LRT crossings vary, warning systems and traffic control devices for LRT crossings also vary from system to system and among different portions of the same system. This lack of standard treatment and uniformity results in confusion and divergent expectations about proper response for safety at LRT crossings. Thus, the research presented in this report will develop a set of uniform traffic and pedestrian planning, design, and control device guidelines based on use and experience with several innovative safety features at each LRT system.
 

No. of Pages:   56