Motorists' Attitudes to Using ATIS at Highway-Rail Intersections
Highway-Rail Intersections (HRIs) confront urban areas with several safety and congestion problems. The Fargo-Moorhead area for instance, is divided by a major rail line which experiences approximately 70 trains a day. Delays at HRIs of up to 10 minutes can cause traffic problems for many people who either utilize services or work in the downtown area. In addition, the blockage of a rail crossing when a train is present may hinder the effective movement of emergency vehicles. High-cost solutions to separate rail lines from surface roads are infeasible in many areas. However, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) can offer cost-effective solutions by redirecting traffic away from blocked HRIs. The system would detect a train and estimate approximate delays at affected HRIs. Real-time information may be displayed on electronic signs (such as changeable message signs (CMSs)). Motorists can then decide whether to continue on their original routes or divert to different routes to avoid the HRIs. The operational and cost effectiveness of the ITS solution will depend on the extent of motorist participation, i.e., percentage of drivers who would change their route. Therefore, a survey was developed to assess motorist attitudes toward delays at HRIs and their acceptance of the application of ITS to provide information about HRI delays. The survey was conducted as part of a case study in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Over 1,500 surveys were distributed and 535 returned, a 36 percent response rate. The survey was augmented with a focus group to discuss preferences for alternative advanced traveler information system (ATIS) methods and information. The survey results revealed that the majority of the motorists in the study area see significant problems at HRIs in need of solutions. The results also indicated motorists would react favorably to having information provided to them through ATIS.
- Record URL:
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Corporate Authors:
Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute
North Dakota State University
1320 Albrecht Boulevard
Fargo, ND United States 581052 -
Authors:
- Krahn, Dawn C
- Smadi, Ayman
- Publication Date: 1999-5
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
- Pagination: 72p
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Advanced traveler information systems; Attitudes; Case studies; Consumer preferences; Drivers; Focus groups; Intelligent transportation systems; Railroad grade crossings; Surveys; Traffic delays; Urban areas
- Geographic Terms: Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Area
- Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads; Safety and Human Factors;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01701531
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: DP-129
- Files: TRIS
- Created Date: Apr 8 2019 4:56PM