Microsimulation Analysis of Highway-Rail Grade Crossings: A Case Study in Lincoln, Nebraska

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence R. Rilett ◽  
Justice Appiah
Keyword(s):  
Control Strategy ◽  
Traffic Control ◽  
Microscopic Traffic Simulation ◽  
Variable Message Signs ◽  
Driver Response ◽  
Grade Crossing ◽  
Grade Crossings ◽  
Message Signs ◽  
Different Levels

This paper examines the usefulness of supplementing railroad preemption operations at highway-rail grade crossings with variable message signs. Using the microscopic traffic simulation model, VISSIM, the effects on grade crossing operations of different train dwell times as well as different levels of driver response to a variable message sign in the vicinity of the crossing are assessed. The results affirm the potential usefulness of variable message signs for preventing lengthy queues and illustrate the importance of explicitly considering the delay experienced by vehicles on the blocked roadway in developing a traffic control strategy for highway-rail grade crossings.

Content of Variable Message Signs and On-Line Driver Behavior

2000 ◽  
Vol 1725 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinivas Peeta ◽  
Jorge L. Ramos ◽  
Raghubhushan Pasupathy
Keyword(s):  
Network Traffic ◽  
Traffic Control ◽  
Stated Preference ◽  
Control Variable ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Spatial Knowledge ◽  
Variable Message Signs ◽  
Driver Response ◽  
Traffic Conditions ◽  
Message Signs

Variable message signs (VMS) are programmable traffic control devices that convey nonpersonalized real-time information on network traffic conditions to drivers encountering them. Especially useful under incidents, VMS aim to influence driver routing decisions to enhance network performance. This study investigates the effect of different message contents on driver response under VMS. Presumably, if the message content is a significant factor in driver response, the traffic controller can use it as a control variable to influence network traffic conditions positively without compromising the integrity of information. This issue is addressed through an on-site stated preference user survey. Logit models are developed for drivers’ diversion decisions. The analysis suggests that content in terms of the level of detail of relevant information significantly affects drivers’ willingness to divert. Other significant factors include socio-economic characteristics, network spatial knowledge, and confidence in the displayed information. Results also indicate differences in the response attitudes of semitrailer truck drivers compared to other travelers. They provide substantive insights for the design and operation of VMS-based information systems.

Preliminary Analysis of Light Rail Crashes in Denver, Colorado

2012 ◽  
Vol 2275 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela M. Fischhaber ◽  
Bruce N. Janson
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Control ◽  
Preliminary Analysis ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Traffic Signals ◽  
Control Device ◽  
Light Rail ◽  
Crash Prediction ◽  
Grade Crossing ◽  
Grade Crossings

This paper presents a preliminary analysis of light rail crashes at at-grade crossings in Denver, Colorado, based on Regional Transportation District data for 1999 through 2009. Differences in design and operation of at-grade crossings are discussed for light rail versus common carrier railroad (railroad). The differences appear to warrant the development of separate crash prediction and hazard index models because models developed for railroad at-grade crossing operations may not accurately predict the number and severity of crashes at light rail at-grade crossings. In addition, the models developed for railroads do not predict crashes at crossings for some traffic control device types such as traffic signals. The lack of information for crossings controlled by traffic signals in the railroad crash prediction equations is one reason why equations specific to light rail may need to be developed. This study identifies patterns in light rail crossing crash data that warrant further investigation and support the development of crash prediction models and hazard index equations specific to light rail at-grade crossing configurations and operations.

Traffic Control with Variable Message Signs

1991 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark G.M. Brocken ◽  
Martie J.M. van der Vlist
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Control ◽  
Variable Message Signs ◽  
Message Signs

scholarly journals Exploring the Effects of Signs’ Design and In-Vehicle Audio Warning on Driver Behavior at Flashing-Light-Controlled Grade Crossings: A Driving Simulator-Based Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingsi Yang ◽  
Xuedong Yan ◽  
Qingwan Xue ◽  
Xiaomeng Li ◽  
Ke Duan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Control ◽  
Driving Simulator ◽  
Warning System ◽  
Complex Environment ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Pavement Markings ◽  
Crossing Time ◽  
Grade Crossing ◽  
Flashing Light ◽  
Grade Crossings

The complex environment at grade crossings and the severe collision consequences give rise to the concern of safety condition at crossings among traffic control authorities. Optimizing conventional devices and applying emerging technologies are worthwhile measures to improve the safety conditions at grade crossings. In this study, a flashing-light running (FLR) warning system was proposed to reduce crossing violation and improve performances of drivers at flashing-light-controlled grade crossings (FLCGCs). Forty-four fully licensed drivers aged between 30 and 48 years participated in a driving simulator study to investigate the efficacy of two countermeasures of the system: proposed design of signs and pavement markings (PSM) for grade crossing, and two-stage in-vehicle audio warning (IVAW) technology. A range of flashing light trigger timing and two foggy conditions were designed in this experiment to test the system applicability. Drivers’ gender and vocation were considered as well to examine drivers’ adaptation to the new proposed system. Five variables were collected and analyzed in this study to investigate the effectiveness of the system, i.e., drivers’ compliance, approaching mean speed, brake reaction time, deceleration, and red-to-crossing time. Results showed that drivers’ driving performances were improved in both PSM only condition and PSM + W condition. The FLR warning system could eliminate the negative effects of foggy weather and reduce gender differences in driver behaviors to some extent. These findings suggested that the FLR warning system has a potential to reduce the probability of grade crossing collisions.

Guidelines for Using Late Merge Traffic Control in Work Zones

2005 ◽  
Vol 1911 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew G. Beacher ◽  
Michael D. Fontaine ◽  
Nicholas J. Garber
Keyword(s):  
Control Strategy ◽  
Traffic Control ◽  
Work Zone ◽  
Storage Space ◽  
Heavy Vehicles ◽  
Work Zones ◽  
Microscopic Traffic Simulation ◽  
Traffic Stream ◽  
Flow At Work ◽  
Full Factorial

The late merge traffic control strategy has been proposed as a way to improve flow at work zone lane closures by maximizing queue storage space and creating more orderly merging. The late merge instructs drivers to use all lanes to the work zone taper and then take turns proceeding through the work zone. There is little information available on when the late merge should be used, however, and a limited understanding of the factors that influence its performance. This paper discusses the results of a simulation study of the late merge concept using microscopic traffic simulation. The late merge concept was evaluated by comparing it with traditional traffic control, through a full factorial analysis. Results of the computer simulations showed that the late merge produced a statistically significant increase in throughput volume versus the traditional merge for the three-to-one lane closure configuration across all combinations of analysis factors. Although the two-to-one and three-to-two configurations did not show significant improvement in throughput overall, it was found that as the percentage of heavy vehicles increased, the late merge did foster higher throughput volumes than traditional traffic control. The results of the simulations indicate that the late merge may not provide as much of a benefit as previous studies had indicated and that the area of application for the late merge may be limited to situations where heavy vehicles constitute more than 20% of the traffic stream.

Influence of text luminance, text colour and background luminance of variable-message signs on legibility in urban areas at night

2020 ◽  
pp. 147715352095846 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y He ◽  
Y Li ◽  
L Xing ◽  
Z Qiu ◽  
X Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Control ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Visual Recognition ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Background Luminance ◽  
Traffic Sign ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Variable Message Signs ◽  
Variable Message Sign ◽  
Message Signs

Variable-message signs, which are an important type of traffic sign, have been widely used in traffic control. This study examines the influence of text luminance, text colour and background luminance of variable-message signs on legibility in urban areas under night-time vision. First, the background luminance of variable-message signs in typical urban areas is investigated, tested and classified as high, medium or low depending on the obtained values (3.0, 1.0 or 0.1 cd/m2, respectively). Second, a calculation model is established for the experimental visual recognition distance under different visual acuity conditions, the experimental luminance interval is determined based on psychophysical magnitude perceived, and a legibility experiment is performed using Landolt-C rings. Finally, the reasonable luminance interval (minimum [replacement] luminance), optimal luminance and changing trends of luminance for red, green and yellow colours under different background luminances are obtained such that the legibility requirement is satisfied. The results indicated that different colours have different luminance interval and optimal luminance under different background luminances. This study is of great importance in determining the reasonable luminance of variable-message sign texts and improving the safety and efficiency of road traffic. In the future, these research results are expected to serve as guidelines for variable-message sign setup and management.

Advancing Pedestrian Safety and Case Study of Pedestrian Psychology at Railroad Grade Crossing

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Shehada ◽  
Akshit Ahuja ◽  
Steven D. Schrock
Keyword(s):  
Pedestrian Safety ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Safety Standards ◽  
Railroad Crossings ◽  
Braking Distance ◽  
Grade Crossing ◽  
Grade Crossings ◽  
Public And Private Sector ◽  
Departments Of Transportation

Contrary to the declining railroad-highway crossing crashes over the past decade, the pedestrian-railroad interface has remained relatively unchanged. While engineering solutions and law enforcement have been tried, little is known about their effectiveness on the pedestrian mindset and psychology. One of the main reason for crashes of this type is that pedestrians tend to be restless while waiting at railroad crossings. This can lead to pedestrians performing irrational acts such as attempting to walk across a crossing before a train arrives. Earlier, trains traveled at slower speeds which pedestrians could react to easily and trains had less freight so it needed less braking distance and thus it was easier to control them. There are many factors with the potential to improve pedestrian safety at railroad crossings. In this paper the current safety norms for railroad crossings existing across in more than 40 major cities in US were analyzed to determine the existing safety standards for pedestrians at railroad grade crossings. State departments of transportation (DOTs) were contacted, along with professionals in public and private sector involved in safety at railroad crossing and ask them what according to them is a high risk railroad grade crossings in their area, safety practices that are common in their area, various threats to Safety implementation and then analyze these crossing for the types, safety signs and equipment present at them.

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