4.3. SR 04-19-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Grade Crossings . Overview An in-depth grade crossing analysis will be prepared for each crossing during the preparation of the EIS for the Northstar commuter rail system. However, it is important to note in this document the safety and mobility considerations that will be investigated as part of the EIS process. Within the study area of the Northstar corridor, there are numerous highway crossings of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) rail tracks. The Northstar commuter rail system will add the following number of trains to the BNSF rail tracks by the Year 2003. · 10 trains per day between Elk River and Saint Cloud · 14 trains per day between Ramsey and Elk River · 18 trains per day between downtown Minneapolis and Ramsey Overall, at-grade highway crossings of rail facilities known as grade crossings are subject to operational concerns with respect to interference between roadway and rail traffic. These concerns include: · Delay impacts to vehicular traffic due to activation of railroad warning systems and occupancy of the grade crossing by trains . Secondary traffic operational impacts such as disruption of traffic signals by rail preemption . Safety concerns either due to violation of traffic control devices or by queuing of highway vehicles in the grade crossing area . Additionally, although the rail mode has the right-of-way at grade crossings, to the extent that traffic operational problems develop, train speeds may be affected. In addition, strategies utilized to manage conflicts and improve safety at rail grade crossings may impart small but measurable delays to the rail operations plan. For these reasons, careful consideration should be given to the design issues including the physical configuration of the grade crossing as well as traffic and train control equipment and operational strategies. An integrated approach which includes a combination of warning and control will provide the best solution. The best solution is one which maximizes safety while balancing delay and operational impacts. Safety Considerations at Grade Crossings The principal traffic safety consideration at a grade crossing is to avoid collisions between trains and highway vehicles. An additional consideration is limiting secondary accidents which may involve only the roadway vehicular mode as a result of train activity or activation of the grade crossing warning system (similar to the concern with rear end type accidents which occur at red traffic signals). The primary safety concern is met if clear warning and positive traffic control is provided and if drivers do not violate the established safety devices. Safety is enhanced if sight distance is available to roadway vehicles and train operators approaching the crossing. Where sight distance is limited, grade crossing warning and protective systems which typically include flashing lights, audible devices and automatic gates are essential to maintain safety. Setting aside the issues related to violations and Commuter Rail Feasibility Study March 24, 1999 8-8 Social and Environmental Impacts .