FHWA-TS-86-215
FOREWORD
This handbook provides general information on railroad-highway crossings, including
characteristics of the crossing environment and users, and the physical and
operational improvements for safe and efficient use by both highway and rail
traffic. The handbook will be of interest to Federal, State and local highway
agency personnel, railroad officials, consulting engineers and educators involved
with railroad-highway grade crossing safety and operation.
The late William J. Hedley contributed generously of his background and experience
toward the completion of this handbook.
This is the second printing of the second edition of the handbook. The only
change from the first printing is a revision of Figure 24, page 103, to reflect
the guidance for placement of the railroad crossing pavements Marking symbol
in relation to the location of the advance warning sign.
A standard distribution of the handbook was made to the FHWA Region and Division
offices, the State highway agencies and the T2 Centers in 1986. Copies of the
handbook were also provided to the Federal Railroad Administration and the Association
of American Railroads for their use. A limited number of copies are available
from the Railroads, Utilities and Programs Branch, HNG-12, Federal Highway Administration,
Washington, D.C. 20590 and the RD&T Report Center, HRD-11, Federal Highway Administration,
6300 Georgetown Pike, McLean, Virginia 22101-2396. Copies may be purchased from
the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield,
Virginia 22161.
Stanley R. Byington
Director, Office of Implementation
Federal Highway Administration
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1. Report No.
FHWA-TS-86-215
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2.
Government Accession No. |
3.
Recipient's Catalog No. |
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4. Title and Subtitle
Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Handbook - 2nd Edition
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5. Report Date
September 1986
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6. Performing Organization
Code
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7. Author(s)
B.H. Tustin, H. Richards, H. McGee, and R. Patterson
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8. Performing Organization
Report No.
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9. Performing Organization
Name and Address
Tustin Enterprises
2903 Maple Lane
Fairfax, Virginia 22031
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10. Work Unit No.
(TRAIS)
FCP Category 1Z (A)
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11. Contract or Grant
No.
DTFH61-83-C-00092
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12. Sponsoring Agency
Name and Address
Office of Implementation
Federal Highway Administration
6300 Georgetown Pike
McLean, Virginia 22101-2296
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13. Type of Report
and Period Covered
Final Report
Sept. 1983 to Sept. 1986
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14. Sponsoring Agency
Code
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15. Supplementary
Notes
FHWA Contract Manager (COTR): Eric Munley (HRT-20)
FHWA Office of Engineering Contact: Jim Overton (HNG-12)
FRA Office of Safety Analysis: Tom P. Woll (RRS-21)
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16. Abstract
Rail-Highway grade crossing safety and operational problems involve
two components--the highway and the railroad. The highway component
involves drivers, pedestrians, vehicles and roadway segments in the
vicinity of the crossing. The railroad component involves the trains
and the tracks at the crossing. The element of risk present at a given
location is a function of the characteristics of the two components
and their corresponding elements. Several formulas are described which
seek to quantify the degree of risk, identify the locations most urgently
in need of improvement, and prioritize the hazardous locations which
have been isolated. Various types of at-grade crossing improvements
described include active warning devices, passive warning devices, sight
distance improvements, operational improvements, and crossing surface
improvements. Grade separations, or crossing closures are suggested
as improvement solutions where either extremely high or low demand for
the crossing exists. The ultimate choice for a crossing improvement
is determined by balancing the benefits in accident reduction and reduced
user costs against costs for the improvement. Procedures, models and
computer programs which will assist making these selections are described.
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17. Key Words
Grade Crossing, Railroad, Traffic Control, Crossing Surfaces
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18. Distribution
Statement
No restriction, This document is available to the public through the
National Technical Information Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161
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19. Security Classification
(of this report)
Unclassified
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20.
Security Classification (of this page)
Unclassified
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21. No. of Pages
273
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22. Price
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Form DOT F 1700.7 (8-72) Reproduction
of completed page authorized
