Incidents involving trains and pedestrians or motorists continue to be an issue for state DOTs and transportation providers. There are hundreds of thousands of “at grade crossings” nationally and thousands in every state. Grade crossings where motorists cross tracks are a source of delays and crashes. As trains become longer and more concentrated on certain line segments, communities are often cut in half, which can result in unsafe behavior. The number of accidents involving trains have declined in the last decade but changes in the length, number and concentration of trains and the growth of communities around tracks remain risk factors. Trespassing on rail lines and unfamiliarity with railroad operations can result in injuries or fatalities for the public. Removing “at grade crossings” via flyovers or underpasses, or installing and maintaining existing signaling is expensive especially with thousands of crossings to address. Signals, both passive and active, have been at crossings for over a hundred years with each state responsible for the type of railroad signals used depending on various factors including road/rail volume.

The objective of this pooled fund is to initiate a research project to determine whether there is an opportunity to reduce conflicts at railroad grade crossings using smart technology. These conflicts occur between railroads, pedestrians and motorists. The intent is to improve signals and signage, barriers, warnings to autonomous vehicles, LIDAR, digital imaging, etc. resulting in improved safety, and also potentially address rerouting of emergency and other vehicles. The pooled fund will be closed on completion of this project.

To thoroughly research the latest railroad signal, signage and barrier technologies, the practicality of implementing them, and potential costs and benefits.

Though signals have changed over time, they still primarily rely on technology available in the 20th century. There has been research and development but practical solutions and implementation has been limited. The purpose of this pooled fund, to be led by the Washington State DOT (WSDOT), is to bring together partners who have a common interest to look at new technology to determine if there are implementable solutions. The suggested funding contribution from each partner is $25,000. Partners may include public sector, private sector and international entities.