TOWARD MORE EFFECTIVE GRADE-CROSSING FLASHING LIGHTS

Pairs of alternately flashing, red incandescent lamps have been the primary motorist warning device at grade crossings for several decades. Although significant evolutionary improvements have occurred, basic constraints (on power consumption, in particular) have limited the total effectiveness normally found. Tightly focused beams, which are necessary to obtain high intensity at low power levels, make perceived brightness highly dependent on both motorist position and precise alignment, which is difficult and expensive to maintain. Examination of appropriate literature and existing standards has made possible delineation of functional specifications and desirable characteristics of motorist warnings for use at grade crossings. Significant improvement is possible through the use of xenon flash lamps in standard crossing mountings, in place of or in concert with conventional lights. The short-duration flash of the xenon unit appears to offer a warning of markedly greater effectiveness. This result is obtainable with little deviation from the basic framework of applicable standards, motorist familiarity, and conventional equipment. This paper includes discussion of optimal specifications, relevant technology, compatibility with existing systems, and field tests.

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1976/562/562-001.pdf
• Summary URL:
  • https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=TOWARD+MORE+EFFECTIVE+GRADE-CROSSING+FLASHING+LIGHTS&author=J.+Hopkins&author=F.+Holmstrom&publication_year=1976
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0309024722
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Railroad Highway Grade Crossings. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
• Authors:
  • Hopkins, John B
  • Holmstrom, F Ross
• Conference:
  • 54th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board
  • Location: Washington District of Columbia
  • Date: 1975-1-13 to 1975-1-17
• Publication Date: 1976

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: pp 1-14
• Monograph Title: Measures of Effectiveness, Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings, and Visibility
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 562
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: At grade intersections; Flashing traffic signals; Grade crossing protection systems; Lamps; Navigation lights; Performance based specifications; Railroad grade crossings; Safety; Signal devices; Specifications; Technology; Warning systems; Xenon
• Old TRIS Terms: Grade crossing protection; Light signals
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Railroads; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00134864
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309024722
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Sep 4 1976 12:00AM