Illinois High-Speed Rail Four-Quadrant Gate Reliability Assessment

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Hellman ◽  
Tashi Ngamdung
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Vehicle Detection ◽  
The United States ◽  
Transportation Systems ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
United States Department ◽  
High Speed Rail ◽  
Grade Crossings ◽  
Four Quadrant ◽  
The Impact

The United States Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Research and Innovative Technology Administration’s John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), under the direction of the USDOT Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Office of Research and Development (ORD), conducted a reliability analysis of the four-quadrant gate/vehicle detection equipment installed on the potential high-speed rail (HSR) corridor between Chicago and St Louis. A total of 69 highway-rail grade crossings on a 121-mile (195 km) segment of the 280-mile corridor were equipped with four-quadrant gates and inductive loop vehicle detection technology. This segment, between Mazonia and Springfield Illinois, may eventually carry passenger trains at speeds up to 110 mph (177 km/h), including at many of the highway-rail grade crossings. The analysis was based on maintenance records obtained from the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR), the owner and operator of the rail line. The results were used to assess the impact of the equipment reliability on the proposed HSR timetable. The Volpe Center study showed that the total average delay to the five scheduled daily high-speed passenger roundtrips was an estimated 10.5 minutes, or approximately one minute per train. Overall, extensive analysis of the trouble ticket data showed that the four-quadrant gate and vehicle detection equipment had a minimal direct impact on the frequency and duration of grade crossing malfunctions.

Design of Gate Delay and Gate Interval Time for Four-Quadrant Gate System at Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings

1996 ◽  
Vol 1553 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fred Coleman ◽  
oung J. Moon
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Signalized Intersections ◽  
Design Approach ◽  
Gate Delay ◽  
High Speed Rail ◽  
Interval Time ◽  
Signal Change ◽  
Gate System ◽  
Grade Crossings ◽  
Four Quadrant

A design methodology for gate delay and gate interval time for at-grade crossings using four-quadrant gates is developed. The design approach is based on the concept of dilemma zones related to signal change intervals at signalized intersections. The design approach is validated based on data from six sites in Illinois on a proposed high-speed rail corridor. Gate delay and gate interval times are determined that provide an optimal safe decision point to allow a driver to stop before the crossing or to proceed through the crossing without becoming trapped by the exit gates.

scholarly journals Preliminary Results of the Trespass Prevention Research Study in West Palm Beach, Florida

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco daSilva ◽  
Anya Carroll
Keyword(s):  
Research Study ◽  
The United States ◽  
Transportation Systems ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
United States Department ◽  
Prevention Research ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Technical Paper ◽  
Rail Network

The United States Department of Transportation’s (US DOT) Research and Innovative Technology Administration’s John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), under the direction of the US DOT Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Office of Research and Development (R&D), is conducting a Trespass Prevention Research Study (TPRS) in the city of West Palm Beach, Florida. The main objective of this research is to demonstrate potential benefits, including documenting best practices and lessons learned, of implementation and evaluation of trespass prevention strategies on the rail network in West Palm Beach, Florida and all of its rights-of-way. This technical paper will describe and provide the most up-to-date results from this study, which is beginning its second year of a three year study period. The cumulative results of the trespass prevention strategies will be analyzed to better inform the determination of areas of potential risk, develop solutions to prevent and minimize risk exposure and implement successful countermeasures in the future. Preliminary analysis from the WPB corridor trespass prevention activities are described in this technical paper. The ultimate objective of the research is to aid in the development of national recommendations or guidelines for reducing trespass-related incidents and fatalities.

An optimization model of energy and transportation systems: Assessing the high-speed rail impacts in the United States

2015 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 131-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Venkat Krishnan ◽  
Eirini Kastrouni ◽  
V. Dimitra Pyrialakou ◽  
Konstantina Gkritza ◽  
James D. McCalley
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Optimization Model ◽  
High Speed ◽  
The United States ◽  
Transportation Systems ◽  
High Speed Rail

scholarly journals Effect of Dynamic Envelope Pavement Markings on Vehicle Driver Behavior at a Highway-Rail Grade Crossing

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Gabree ◽  
Stephanie Chase ◽  
Marco daSilva
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Transportation Systems ◽  
United States Department ◽  
Department Of Transportation ◽  
Pavement Markings ◽  
Florida Department ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Grade Crossing ◽  
Grade Crossings ◽  
Stop Line

The United States Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), under the direction of the USDOT Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Office of Research and Development (R&D), recently completed a study on the use of pavement markings to reduce instances of vehicles stopping on the tracks at grade crossings. Specifically, the study evaluated the effectiveness of pavement markings placed within the dynamic envelope, the region between and immediately adjacent to the tracks at a grade crossing, and new corresponding signage at the Commercial Boulevard grade crossing (ID# 628186E) in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The goal of this research study was to gain an understanding of the effect of dynamic envelope pavement markings and accompanying signage on driver’s not stopping while traversing the tracks. The addition of the dynamic envelope markings and signage is intended to make this area more pronounced, resulting in fewer motorists entering the dynamic envelope if they are unable to exit the other side. Researchers coded driver stopping behavior at this crossing before and after the surface treatments were installed. Vehicles were coded as having stopped in one of four zones: behind the stop line and gate arm (Zone 1), past the stop line but before the tracks (Zone 2), on the tracks (Zone 3), or immediately after the tracks (Zone 4). Stopping in Zone 3 is considered to be the most dangerous behavior that a driver could perform, while stopping in Zone 1 is the safest. The goal of the added markings and signage is to reduce the number of vehicles which come to a stop within the dynamic envelope, thus reducing the possibility that a vehicle is present on the tracks when a train approaches resulting in a collision. The addition of the dynamic envelope pavement markings and modified signage resulted in a statistically significant change in driver stopping behavior. Specifically, the pavement markings and signage reduced the proportion of vehicles that stopped in Zone 3, resulting in a 45% reduction in vehicles stopped in Zone 3 for eastbound vehicles and 14% for westbound vehicles. They also increased the proportion of vehicles stopping in Zone 1, which is the safest behavior a driver can perform (9% increase for eastbound and 6% increase for westbound). Additionally, fewer vehicles were found to stop in both Zone 2 and Zone 4, which are both moderately dangerous. Based on these results, the Florida Department of Transportation is exploring the use of this safety treatment at additional grade crossings with a high risk for unsafe vehicle stopping behavior.

Trapped Vehicle Detection System for Four-Quadrant Gates in High Speed Rail Corridors: Design Methodology and Implementation Issues

1998 ◽  
Vol 1648 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fred Coleman ◽  
Young J. Moon
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Vehicle Detection ◽  
High Speed Rail ◽  
Track System ◽  
The Status ◽  
System Functioning ◽  
Status Information ◽  
Four Quadrant ◽  
And Control

The objective of this paper is to determine the location of sensors in the track system functioning as checkpoints to provide information to a train on the status of the crossing and provide evasive maneuver time for the train and trapped vehicle. Two train-operating scenarios are evaluated: the first provides no deceleration when a trapped vehicle is detected; the second scenario has the train decelerate at a tolerable deceleration rate to passengers when a trapped vehicle is detected. The findings indicate that there is a trade-off between minimizing the distances to locate the trapped vehicle detection sensors in the track system and potential issues of reliability of vehicle detection and maximization of safety. Recommendations include provision of on-board real-time status information on the crossing(s) in the train with automatic train location and control to continuously provide safe stopping distances in event of a trapped vehicle.

High Speed Rail for America’s Regional Transportation: A Study of Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. Wang ◽  
P. Bortner ◽  
W. Peterson ◽  
D. McCullough
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
The United States ◽  
Transportation Systems ◽  
High Speed Rail ◽  
Rail Network ◽  
Passenger Rail ◽  
Near Term ◽  
Benefits And Costs

After 60 years and more than $1.9 trillion of investments, the United States has developed one of the world’s most advanced highway and aviation systems. However, these transportation systems are now at a gridlock. To reduce the congestion and increase efficiency of America’s regional transportation, rail transit should be considered as a promising, long-term solution. The recent stimulus package provides planners an opportunity to reconsider the potentials of regional passenger rail network, especially the high speed rail system. After examining the development history and current condition of America’s passenger rail network, the paper focuses on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor (NEC) and proposes three different improvement plans that can increase travel speeds and attract more ridership: (1) return the corridor to a state of good repair; (2) construct a new dedicated High-Speed Rail track; and (3) develop a multimodal-shared and connected corridor. Each plan has its advantages and drawbacks, and measuring the extent of each plan’s benefits and costs is known to be challenging. To evaluate these plans, the paper utilizes a non-traditional cost-benefit analysis method which considers changes in ridership, life-cycle costs as well as each plan’s economic and environmental impacts (negative or positive). It is found that returning the existing corridor to a state of good repair is the most efficient improvement plan in near term.

scholarly journals Analyzing Severity of Vehicle Crashes at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings: Multinomial Logit Modeling

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei (David) Fan ◽  
Martin R. Kane ◽  
Elias Haile
Keyword(s):  
Logit Model ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Injury Severity ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Multinomial Logit Model ◽  
The United States ◽  
Multinomial Logit ◽  
Vehicle Crashes ◽  
Grade Crossings ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of this paper is to develop a nominal response multinomial logit model (MNLM) to identify factors that are important in making an injury severity difference and to explore the impact of such explanatory variables on three different severity levels of vehicle-related crashes at highway-rail grade crossings (HRGCs) in the United States. Vehicle-rail and pedestrian-rail crash data on USDOT highway-rail crossing inventory and public crossing sites from 2005 to 2012 are used in this study. A multinomial logit model is developed using SAS PROC LOGISTICS procedure and marginal effects are also calculated. The MNLM results indicate that when rail equipment with high speed struck a vehicle, the chance of a fatality resulting increased. The study also reveals that vehicle pick-up trucks, concrete, and rubber surfaces were more likely to be involved in more severe crashes. On the other hand, truck-trailer vehicles in snow and foggy weather conditions, development area types (residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional), and higher daily traffic volumes were more likely to be involved in less severe crashes. Educating and equipping drivers with good driving habits and short-term law enforcement actions, can potentially minimize the chance of severe vehicle crashes at HRGCs.

scholarly journals A Mathematical Study of Accessibility and Cohesion Degree in a High-Speed Rail Station Connected to an Urban Bus Transport Network

Open Physics ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 160-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Mota ◽  
Miguel A. López ◽  
Arturo Martínez-Rodrigo
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
The United States ◽  
Tunnel Effect ◽  
Transport Networks ◽  
High Speed Rail ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
High Speed Trains ◽  
Cohesion Degree ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Secondary Networks

AbstractIn the last twenty years, the implementation of High-Speed Rail (HSR) has been one of the major strategies for territorial structuring used by various countries. This model has enhanced the development of countries such as France, Spain, Germany and Japan. At present, the United States and China are also starting to implement this model. Nevertheless, the lack of social and economic profitability of several networks is being increasingly analysed. Many networks located in particular regions serve populations that are not large enough to recover the initial investment. For this reason, it is necessary to evaluate the population served by this transport mode, beyond the number of users. In this sense, it is essential to identify the deficiencies and potentials of implementing a network linked to other secondary networks in a specific territory which can compensate for the so-calledtunnel effect. This article proposes to apply a mathematical approach based on graph theory to measure the Degree Accessibility Node (DAN) in a constrained Geographic Information System (GIS) model. Hence, it would be possible to compare regions, especially medium-sized cities, where the implementation of HSR could represent a qualitative leap due to incorporation into large transport networks. The DAN function uses static and dynamic studies to evaluate the level of connection of stations to secondary transport networks—local public transport in this case. Thus, the impact of high-speed trains could be spread to greater territorial and population ranges. Four cases have been studied, two in Germany (one of them, Fulda, is analysed in depth throughout this article) and two in Spain. These two countries were selected since HSR was implemented in the same relative period of time, in comparison with other European countries. Results show relevant differences, suggesting a review of inappropriate policies of transport integration in a city that could weaken the expansion of the positive effects of HSR integration.

Demonstrating Nutrient Cost Gradients: A Brooklyn Case Study

2014 ◽  
Vol 84 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 244-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Karp ◽  
Gary Wong ◽  
Marguerite Orsi
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Food Selection ◽  
The United States ◽  
United States Department ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Caloric Density ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Introduction: Foods dense in micronutrients are generally more expensive than those with higher energy content. These cost-differentials may put low-income families at risk of diminished micronutrient intake. Objectives: We sought to determine differences in the cost for iron, folate, and choline in foods available for purchase in a low-income community when assessed for energy content and serving size. Methods: Sixty-nine foods listed in the menu plans provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for low-income families were considered, in 10 domains. The cost and micronutrient content for-energy and per-serving of these foods were determined for the three micronutrients. Exact Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for comparisons of energy costs; Spearman rho tests for comparisons of micronutrient content. Ninety families were interviewed in a pediatric clinic to assess the impact of food cost on food selection. Results: Significant differences between domains were shown for energy density with both cost-for-energy (p < 0.001) and cost-per-serving (p < 0.05) comparisons. All three micronutrient contents were significantly correlated with cost-for-energy (p < 0.01). Both iron and choline contents were significantly correlated with cost-per-serving (p < 0.05). Of the 90 families, 38 (42 %) worried about food costs; 40 (44 %) had chosen foods of high caloric density in response to that fear, and 29 of 40 families experiencing both worry and making such food selection. Conclusion: Adjustments to USDA meal plans using cost-for-energy analysis showed differentials for both energy and micronutrients. These differentials were reduced using cost-per-serving analysis, but were not eliminated. A substantial proportion of low-income families are vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies.

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