Light Rail and Busways

Where LRT and Busways are separated from highway facilities, their design and operations can be very similar. These parallels can be seen in the configuration, signage, and policy guidance recommended for each type. It is important to note where an FTA-regulated rail service operates in a “shared corridor” with conventional rail, FRA regulations apply at crossings. The National Transit Database (NTD) is a valuable resource of data regarding operation and safety data for transit operations. The following section highlights some important considerations for both LRT and busway crossings. Table 10 presents typical issues and possible solutions at LRT crossings through which Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) operate. These issues are separated into five categories: system design, system operations, traffic signal placement and operations, automatic gate placement, and pedestrian control. Table 10. Possible Solutions to Observed Problems at LRT Crossings

Issue Possible Solution

1. System design

Vehicles driving around closed

automatic gates.Install raised medians with barrier curbs. Install channelization devices (tubular posts, vertical delineators). Install longer automatic gate arms. Photo enforcement. Four-quadrant gates. For parallel traffic, install protected signal indications or LRV- activated “NO RIGHT/LEFT TURN” signs (R3-1, 2). For parallel traffic, install turn automatic gates.

LRV operator cannot visually

confirm if gates are working.Install gate indication signals or in-cab wireless video link. Install and monitor at a central control facility a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system. Slow trains share tracks/crossings with LRVs and near-side LRT station stops.Constant warning time. Use gate delay timers. 158Issue Possible Solution

Motorist disregard for regulatory

signs at LRT crossings and crossing warning devices.Avoid excessive use of signs. Photo enforcement. Motor vehicles queue back across LRT tracks from a nearby intersection controlled by STOP signs (R1-1).Allow free flow (no STOP sign) off the tracks or signalize intersection and interconnect with crossing.

Sight distance limitations at

LRT crossings.Maximize sight distance by limiting potential obstructions to 3.5 feet in height within about 100 to 200 feet of the LRT crossing (measured parallel to the tracks back from the crossing). Motor vehicles queue across LRT tracks from downstream obstruction.Install “DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS” sign. Install “Keep Clear” zone striping. Install queue cutter signal. [See also “Do Not Block Intersection Markings” from MUTCD Section 3B.17]. Automatic gate and traffic signal interconnect malfunctions.Install plaque at crossing with 1-800 phone number and crossing name and/or identification number. [See also Emergency Notification Signs from MUTCD Section 8B.19]. 2. System operations

Freight line converted to, or

shared with, light-rail transit.For new LRT systems, initially operate LRVs slower, then increase speed over time.

Collisions occur when

second LRV approaches pedestrian crossing.When practical, first LRV slows/stops in pedestrian crossing, blocking pedestrian access until second, opposite direction LRV enters crossing. Motorists disregard crossing warning devices.Adequately maintain LRT crossing hardware (routinely align flashing-light signals) and reduce device “clutter.” Emergency preparedness. Training of staff and emergency response teams (fire, police, EMS). 3. T raffic signal placement and operation Motorists confused about conflicting flashing-light signal and traffic signal indicators.Use traffic signals on the near side of the LRT crossing (pre-signals) with programmable visibility or louvered traffic signal heads for far-side intersection control. Avoid using cantilevered flashing-light signals with cantilevered traffic signals. Track clearance phasing. Detect LRVs early to allow termination of conflicting movements (pedestrians).

Excessive queuing near

LRT crossings.Use queue prevention strategies, pre-signals.

Turning vehicles hesitate during

track clearance interval.Provide protected signal phases for through and turning motor vehicles. Vehicles queue back from closed gates into intersection.Control turning traffic toward the crossing. 159Issue Possible Solution

LRT crosses two approaches

to a signalized intersection (diagonal crossing).Detect LRVs early enough to clear both roadway approaches and/or use pre-signals or queue cutter signals. Delay the lowering of the gates that control vehicles departing the common intersection. Motorists confused about gates starting to go up and then lowering for a second, opposite direction LRV.Detect LRVs early enough to avoid gate pumping (also allows for a nearby traffic signal controller to respond to a second LRV preemption). At near-side station locations, keep gates raised until LRV is ready to depart.

LRT versus emergency

vehicle preemption.At higher-speed LRT crossings (speeds greater than 55 km/hr. (35 mph)), LRVs receive priority and emergency vehicles second priority. Turning motorists violate red protected left-turn indication due to excessive delay.Recover from preemption to phase that was preempted. With leading left-turn phasing, motorists violate red protected left-turn arrow during preemption.Switch from leading left-turn phasing to lagging left-turn phasing. 4. Automatic gate placement

At angled crossings or for

turning traffic, gates descend on top of or behind motor vehicles.Install gates parallel to LRT tracks. Install advanced traffic signal to control turning traffic. 5. Pedestrian controlLimited sight distance at pedestrian crossing.Install pedestrian automatic gates (with flashing-light signals and bells (or alternative audible device). Pedestrians dart across LRT tracks without looking.Install warning signs. Install swing gates. Pedestrians fail to look both ways before crossing tracks.Channel pedestrians (Z-crossings). Paint LRT directional arrow between tracks.

Pedestrians ignore regulatory

and warning signs.Mount signs lower, but in accordance with MUTCD requirements, so they are closer to average eye level for pedestrians. Install active pedestrian warning devices. Provide education and enforcement.

Pedestrians stand too

close to tracks as train approaches crossing.Install pedestrian stop bar with tactile warning outside of the dynamic envelope. Pedestrians and bicyclists routinely cross the LRT tracks behind the automatic gate mechanism while it is activated.Install positive control behind the sidewalk (if present) or roadway shoulder. Source: Korve, Hans W., Brent D. Ogden, Joaquin T. Siques, Douglas M. Mansel, et al. Light Rail Service: Pedestrian and Vehicular Safety. Washington, DC.: Transit Cooperative Research Project Report 69, Transportation Research Board, 2001.