There are several safety and operational considerations when analyzing railroads. Typical considerations include railroad grade crossing treatments and spacing, signal preemption, and noise impacts of railroads. Each of these considerations are discussed below.

Crossing Treatments

– The Highway-Rail Crossing Handbook can be used to determine appropriate treatments for rail grade crossings. Example of treatments include gates, sidewalks at the crossing, audible warnings, etc. Any traffic signal improvements or other treatments (e.g., RRFB, PHB) within 200 feet of the railroad crossing that could potentially stop vehicular traffic need to be coordinated with the railroad operator.

Spacing

– It is desirable to have adequate spacing between railroad crossings and nearby intersections or driveways to avoid queues spilling back on the railroad tracks or upstream intersections. It is recommended that turn lanes accommodate queues when a train is crossing at or near an intersection.

Signal Preemption

– In order to clear vehicles potentially stopped on the tracks when a train arrives, interconnection is necessary for traffic signals located within 200 feet of the railroad crossing and are considered for signals located further away depending on factors including traffic volumes, highway vehicle mix, highway vehicle and train approach speeds, frequency of trains, and queue lengths. For more information, refer to the (TMUTCD). TxDOT Form 2304, Guide for Determining Time Requirements for Traffic Signal Pre-emption at Highway Rail Grade Crossings can be used to determine necessary signal preemption times to sufficiently clear vehicles that may be blocking the railway tracks.

Quiet Zones (Horn-Free)

– These are areas where the use of train horn is prohibited except for emergency situations. Some railroad companies may want to use a train horn whenever possible but are required to implement a quiet zone if a local jurisdiction follows Federal Railroad Administration’s train rule requirements.

For more information about railroad analysis, see

Appendix O, Section 5 – External References (Reference 1) and Appendix O, Section 5 – External References (Reference 2)

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Microsimulation can be used to analyze railroads and is particularly useful in the analysis of interactions between rail and vehicles. Details on how to code railroad crossings and pre-emption is not provide in this guide, but each microsimulations user guide provides guidance on these topics.