Grade Crossing Protection in High-Speed, High-Density, Passenger-Service Rail Corridors

RR302
The report is a preliminary examination of special aspects of grade crossing protection for operation of high-speed passenger trains in rail corridors for which complete grade separation is not possible. Overall system needs and constraints are indicated, and their implications examined. Applications of conventional and improved hardware is considered, with special attention to activation criteria, appropriate motorist-warning devices, stalled-vehicle indicators, and train-mounted components. Non-technical aspects of the problem are also discussed, and areas for which future research efforts may be appropriate are identified.