A Radar Vehicle Detection System for Four-Quadrant Gate Warning Systems and Blocked Crossing Detection

The Wavetronix Matrix Radar was adapted for use at four-quadrant gate railroad crossings for the purpose of influencing exit gate behavior upon the detection of vehicles, as an alternative to buried inductive loops. Two radar devices were utilized, operating collaboratively, in order to realize a fully redundant system. Performance variables including vehicle size and location, vehicle occlusion, and radar positioning were evaluated, along with sensitivity to rain, snow, and other environmental conditions. Recommendations for utilization of the radars in conjunction with popular crossing warning system controllers are provided. Also included is a means for detecting vehicles that are stopped, stored, or deliberately placed in the crossing island, and rapidly communicating that information across cellular, positive train control (PTC), incremental train control system (ITCS), and advanced civil speed enforcement system (ACSES), and other data networks.

• Record URL:
  https://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/details/L04209#p2_z50_gD_lRT_y2013
• 
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/2799
• Corporate Authors:

  ByStep, LLC

  330 West 47th Street, Suite 217
  Kansas City, MO  United States  64112

  Federal Railroad Administration

  Office of Research and Development, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Hilleary, Thomas N
  • Omar, Tarek
• Publication Date: 2012-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 68p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Gates; Grade crossing protection systems; Microwave detectors; Proximity detectors; Radar devices; Railroad grade crossings; Vehicle detectors
• Uncontrolled Terms: Four quadrant gates
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads; Safety and Human Factors; I73: Traffic Control; I85: Safety Devices used in Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01470562
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT/FRA/ORD-12/24
• Files: TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Jan 24 2013 3:47PM