Crossing the Railroad Safely
There is always a way to cross a railroad safely, whether you are traveling on foot or wheels. A safe crossing can take the form of a bridge over the railroad, an underpass, or a railroad grade crossing with signs or warning devices. By crossing railroad tracks in a safe manner, motorists and pedestrians can avoid putting themselves at risk.
Operation Lifesaver
As part of its efforts to encourage safe behavior, Conrail actively promotes safety at grade crossings, working with the national Operation Lifesaver public education program. Operation Lifesaver is sponsored cooperatively by federal, state, and local government agencies, civic organizations, and the nation's railroads.
As part of their Operation Lifesaver activities, Conrail employees bring their concern for public safety directly to local schools and community organizations. Each year, the programs presented by Conrail engineers and conductors help youngsters understand the dangers of playing near the railroad tracks..
Some Grade Crossing Statistics
The majority of collisions between trains and motor vehicles involve trains traveling at 35 mph or less. In about 25 percent of all grade crossing accidents, the car hits the train, which is already passing through the crossing. Nearly two-thirds of all crossing accidents occur during daylight hours. Because two-thirds of all accidents occur at crossings equipped with automatic warning devices, driver inattention is clearly the major cause.
The average train weighs about 12 million pounds. The ratio of that train to an average automobile is about 4,000 to 1 – the same ratio of that automobile to an aluminum can. When the average automobile runs over it, the can will be crushed. A similar result can be expected when an automobile puts itself in a train's path.
An average 100-car train traveling at 50 mph can take one mile to stop.
Therefore, Conrail reminds all motorists: "Be ready to stop when you approach a grade crossing. A train can come at any time, in either direction. At multiple track crossings, two trains may approach from different directions."
Funding Grade Crossing Safety Devices
The federal program to assist in funding grade crossing improvements began in 1978. In enacting that legislation, Congress recognized the public responsibility for highway improvements – which also includes installation and upgrading of highway warning devices at rail crossings. For this reason, the federal government provides 70 percent of the financing for these projects, with the remaining 30 percent paid by state or local highway authorities. In the regions served by Conrail, each state establishes its own priorities as to which grade crossings will be improved under the federal program. More than half of the grade crossings on the Conrail system are equipped with some form of automatic warning device.
There are several types of warning devices, depending upon the needs of each particular grade crossing, ranging from the traditional "Railroad Crossing" sign to automatic flashing light signals and gates. Many variables are taken into consideration when planning warning devices, such as train traffic, automobile and pedestrian traffic, location of the crossing, and line-of-sight obstructions.
Normally, communities initiate requests for installation of grade crossing warning devices by contacting the appropriate state agency. A diagnostic team – composed of representatives of state and local agencies and the railroad – recommends to the state the appropriate highway traffic control device. When this basic decision has been made the railroad submits plans and cost estimates. The state then secures federal government approval, after which the railroad prepares detailed engineering designs and orders the necessary materials. Work begins after the materials are received.
Because of the involvement of so many parties, the entire process, from the time the community contacts the state until the work begins, usually takes about two years.
Maintenance of Crossings
Because grade crossings exist for the benefit of motorists and pedestrians, the public – through either federal, state or local governments – should be responsible for funding the maintenance of grade crossing devices and the public roads which cross the tracks.
The State of Delaware, recognizing that grade crossings are installed for the convenience of the public, rather than the railroad, has taken the lead in this area. Delaware funds 50 percent of the costs for maintaining automatic grade crossing devices along railroad lines in the state.
Where governments have not yet provided funding, railroads (including Conrail) fund maintainance of safety devices, as well as the tracks and roadway surface.
Conrail inspects and tests each automatic protection device and its associated electronic circuits monthly, quarterly and annually. State and local authorities can also inform the railroad that repairs may be needed at a particular grade crossing. Minor repairs are made immediately. If more extensive maintenance is needed, maintenance crews are scheduled to perform the required work. Maintenance of the roadway usually requires repaving of the highway surface. Asphalt is used at many crossings but rubber panels are used at certain locations where highway traffic is heavy. The average life of a standard asphalt crossing is about five years, while rubber panels have an estimated life of 30 years or more.
Conrail makes every effort to work with local authorities in minimizing disruption to vehicular traffic when it improves and maintains crossings.
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