Describe the roadway safety situation or state before the new practice was implemented. What was the safety issue, problem, or gap?

A main arterial road in Kirkwood, MO features an at-grade crossing where regularly scheduled freight and passenger trains block traffic. On average, 28 trains go through Kirkwood every day, and four of those are passenger trains causing extended closures while passengers embark and disembark. This blocked crossing causes traffic to back up quickly and form queues on the main road.

In Jackson, MS, a railroad crossing bisects an interstate off-ramp caused exiting traffic to back up onto the interstate when a train was present. Impatient drivers often tried to “beat the train,” causing damages to the gates from near misses. Because there is no turn-off or alternative route once a vehicle exits the interstate via the off-ramp, a proactive solution to re-route traffic while it was still on the interstate was necessary.

What were the key challenges that needed to be addressed before the new practice could be implemented?

Both Jackson and Kirkwood had very limited budgets and needed to find a low cost solution that would direct drivers to alternate routes around a blocked rail-highway crossing. Communicating blocked route information to drivers in a practical, economical way was the focus of the cities’ efforts.

Describe the new practice.

In Kirkwood, a sign was installed to direct drivers away from the blocked crossing. The existing sign is in the process of being upgraded with a project that will include actuated signals, new controllers, and actuated warning signs that use light-emitting diode technology and are compliant with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

In Jackson, a static sign reading “expect train when flashing” is illuminated by flashing lights and activated by approaching trains to tell motorists to divert to the next exit.

What technical and/or institutional changes resulted from the new practice?

Installation of these train-actuated signs served to inform drivers in both cities to use the designated alternate route. Both are examples of an effective, low-cost solution for redirecting traffic when a crossing is blocked.

What benefits were realized as a result of the practice?

In Kirkwood, the city engineer estimates that approximately 1,000 vehicles per day detour to the nearby overpass rather than risk being stopped at the blocked crossing.

In Jackson, MS, an estimated 95 percent of daily, local traffic is exposed to the warning message and has the option to divert to an alternative exit.

Contact

Kelly Morton
FHWA Office of Safety Programs
(602) 382-8976
Kelly.Morton@dot.gov