Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Accidents - The Problems

Abstract

The Paper Will Address The Crisis Of Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Accidents In The United States. A Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Is Where A Public Or Private Roadway Crosses Railroad Tracks. Over The Years, There Have Been Many Studies And Programs To Warn The General Public Of The Hazards Of Crossing Railroad Tracks. However, The Same Types Of Railroad-Highway Crossing Accidents Continue To Occur, Despite Attempts To Educate The Public. As Will Be Discussed, Communication Between Transportation Professionals And Coordination Of Railroad And Highway Operations Also Contributes To The Crisis. The Most Effective Way To Eliminate Grade Crossing Accidents Is To Provide Grade Separation Of The Railroad From Vehicle And Pedestrian Traffic. This Has Been Completed At 39,68 1 Locations. It Is A Very Expensive Proposition. Therefore, It Has Been Done Only In Urban Areas, And Along Limited Access Highways And Arterials. The Cost Of Constructing A Grade Separated Crossing Is Estimated To Be Five Million Dollars Per Location.