Evaluation of Alternative Detection Technologies for Trains and Highway Vehicles at Highway/Rail Intersections

摘要

Railroad track-based cricuitry, which requries the use of railroad rails for signal transmission, is the most common method currently used by North American railroads to detect trains and control warning devices at highway/railroad intersections (HRIs). The introduction of advanced warning systems, such as four quadrant gates and barriers at HRIs, may requrie additional information as to train and highway vehicle status to ensure optimal operation and safety. To address these issues, alternative technologies have been proposed for controlling HRI warning devices. These new technologies can be mounted off the railroad property and may not rely on the rails for transmission of detection signals. Some of these technologies offer additional features over conventional track-based circuitry allowing the detection of highway vehicles located within HRI limits, which may further enhance crossing safety.