LIGHT RAIL SERVICE: PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR SAFETY TCRP PROJECT A-13

Standardization of highway-rail grade crossing design and operations has benefited light rail transit (LRT) systems through an increased level of safety and performance. This paper documents and presents the results of a study to improve the safety of LRT operations in semi-exclusive rights of way where light rail vehicles operate at speeds greater than 55 km/hour (35 mph) through crossings with streets and pedestrian pathways. Safety problems and potential solutions are identified through literature review, field observations, analysis of videotapes, and structural interviews with officials representing 11 LRT agencies in the United States and Canada. The paper also presents the results of field tests conducted to improve the safety of higher speed LRT systems through grade crossings. Also discussed are LRT crossings in light of recent developments in the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) architecture.