Presignals: current applications and issues [at-grade light rail transit crossings]

Applications and technical issues related to using presignals to improve the safety of at-grade light rail transit crossings are discussed. A presignal installation has roadway traffic signal heads placed ahead of a downstream, signalized frontage roadway intersection and the stop bar displaced in advance of the grade crossing. This signal ensures that a vehicle stops at a red traffic light before the grade crossing area and the clear-storage zone between the grade crossing and downstream intersection. Presignals have been used for many years and are a state standard in Michigan and South Carolina. However, a tragic accident in which a school bus was hit by a METRA commuter train in Fox River Grove, Illinois, brought renewed attention to this treatment. The state of Illinois installed a presignal at the Fox River Grove grade crossing and has developed a statewide policy for the use of presignals elsewhere. Background is provided on presignals, including alternative types of queue control using traffic signals. The key design features of a presignal installation are highlighted. Outstanding technical issues are identified, including future research to refine policies or warrants for presignals and applicable design standards.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/309072239
• Authors:
  • Ogden, B D
• Publication Date: 2001

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 25-31
• Monograph Title: Transit rail, commuter rail, major activity center circulation systems, light rail, and ferry service
• Serial:
  • Issue Number: 1762

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Design; Highway safety; Intersections; Light rail transit; Railroad grade crossings; Traffic safety; Traffic signals
• ATRI Terms: Crash countermeasure; Design; Intersection; Level crossing; Light rail transport; Road safety; Traffic signal
• Subject Areas: Design; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01392816
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• ISBN: 309072239
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 23 2012 7:32AM