Pilot #1

Real-time At-Grade Crossing Sensors

REAL-TIME AT-GRADE CROSSING SENSORS

Expand the ongoing Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) pilot project to multiple at-grade crossings in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. Install Dynamic Message Signs in advance of crossings with the greatest impact to transit passenger trip delay and emergency vehicle dispatch. Integrate the real-time status information into a data clearinghouse.

Capability Maturity Model

Goals Addressed

Data Security

Regional
Know-How

Equity

Nonrecurring
Congestion

Recurring
Congestion

Resource
Management

Regional
Collaboration

Needs

High volumes of train activity on dense transportation networks can lead to frequent and lengthy at-grade crossing blockages.
Blockages cause extended delays, impacting the predictability of travel times, disrupting transit schedules, and delayed on-scene arrival of first responders.
Limited detail on train locations limits the ability of agencies to inform travelers, transit providers, and emergency responders of existing or upcoming gate closures.
Grade-separated crossings can eliminate the travel delays associated with at-grade crossings, but they can be highly expensive.

Related Strategies

Scoping

Quantify available Dynamic Message Signs.
Establish existing sound sensor locations and select additional locations based on high train volumes on dense transportation networks with greatest passenger trip delay.
Define Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for posting messages to appropriate DMS.
Determine additional traveler information opportunities for sharing real time status info.
Funding from Federal Railroad Administration grant and partnership.

CHATS Intelligent Transportation Systems