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Standard Rail Crossing Equipment Package

Architecture Geographic Scope

Description:

This Equipment Package manages highway traffic at highway-rail intersections (HRIs) where operational requirements do not dictate advanced features (e.g., where rail operational speeds are less than 80 miles per hour). Either passive (e.g., the crossbuck sign) or active warning systems (e.g., flashing lights and gates) are supported depending on the specific requirements for each intersection. These traditional HRI warning systems may also be augmented with other standard traffic management devices. The warning systems are activated on notification by interfaced wayside equipment of an approaching train. The equipment at the HRI may also be interconnected with adjacent signalized intersections so that local control can be adapted to highway-rail intersection activities. Health monitoring of the HRI equipment and interfaces is performed; detected abnormalities are reported through interfaces to the wayside interface equipment and the traffic management subsystem.

 

Included in:

City of Brownsville Field Equipment
City of Harlingen Field Equipment
City of McAllen Field Equipment
TxDOT Pharr District Traffic Signals

Processes:

1.1.1.1Process Traffic Sensor Data
1.2.7.1Process Indicator Output Data for Roads
1.6.1.2.1Control HRI Traffic Signals
1.6.1.2.2Control HRI Warnings and Barriers
1.6.1.2.3Provide SSR Device Controls
1.6.1.2.5Manage Device Control
1.6.1.2.6Maintain Device State
1.6.1.3Perform Equipment Self-Test
1.6.1.4.2Provide Closure Parameters
1.6.1.4.4Report HRI Status on Approach
1.6.1.7.1Control Traffic Volume at Active HRI
1.6.1.7.2Close HRI on Command
1.6.3.1Interact with Wayside Systems
1.6.5.2Determine HRI Status
1.6.5.3Maintain HRI Closure Data
  

User Service Requirements (fully or partially addressed):

1.0TRAVEL AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
1.5.2TSI shall include an Information Access function that allows travelers to access the available information.
1.5.2.5Information Access shall provide the capability for travelers to access the TSI information via any of, but not limited to, the following methods:
1.5.2.5(a)Highway advisory radio.
1.6TRAFFIC CONTROL
1.6.0ITS shall include a Traffic Control (TC) function. Traffic Control provides the capability to efficiently manage the movement of traffic on streets and highways. Four functions are provided, which are, (1) Traffic Flow Optimization, (2) Traffic Surveillance, (3) Control, and (4) Provide Information. This will also include control of network signal systems with eventual integration of freeway control.
1.6.2TC shall include a Traffic Surveillance function.
1.6.2.1Traffic Surveillance shall include a vehicle detection function with the capability of accurately detecting vehicles in a real-time fashion.
1.6.2.1.1Vehicle detection shall include the capability to determine those vehicles that are HOVs.
1.6.2.2Traffic Surveillance shall include a data collect function to provide the capability to collect data for determining traffic flow and prediction.
1.6.2.2.1The data collect function shall provide the capability to quickly feedback traffic data to the control processes.
1.6.2.3Traffic Surveillance shall include a wide-area surveillance capability to include several jurisdictions.
1.6.2.3.1The wide-area surveillance shall gather speed and flow information.
1.6.2.4TC shall provide the capability to acquire detailed traffic measurements at specific locations.
1.6.3TC shall include a Device Control function.
1.6.3.3The Device Control function shall provide the capability to exercise control over those devices utilized for traffic control.
1.6.3.3.1Device Control shall include the capability to control traffic signalization, including rapid modification of signalization parameters to respond to traffic requirements.
1.6.3.3.2Device Control shall include the capability to dynamically control traffic signing.
1.6.3.3.4Device Control shall include the capability to exercise dynamic control over the infrastructure (such as reversible-lanes, turning restrictions, etc.).
1.6.3.4Device Control shall communicate control data to the following devices.
1.6.3.4(a)Traffic signals.
1.7INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
1.7.1Incident Management shall provide an Incident Identification function to identify incidents.
1.7.1.1The Incident Identification function shall include the capability to identify predicted incidents.
1.7.1.1.1The Incident Identification function shall use information from the following types of sources, where available, to identify predicted incidents:
1.7.1.1.1(a)Traffic flow sensors.
1.8TRAVEL DEMAND MANAGEMENT
1.8.0ITS shall include a Travel Demand Management (TDM) function. Travel Demand Management will generate and communicate management and control strategies that will support and facilitate the implementation of TDM programs, policies and regulations. It consists of two major functions, which are, (1) Increase Efficiency of Transportation System and (2) Provide Wide Variety of Mobility Options.
1.8.3TDM shall include a sensors/control function.
1.8.3.1The sensors/control function shall provide the capability to gather information needed for the generation of management and control strategies to include, but not be limited to the, following:
1.8.3.1(b)Usage levels.
1.10HIGHWAY RAIL INTERSECTION
1.10.0ITS shall include a Highway-Rail Intersection (HRI) function to control highway and rail traffic in at-grade HRIs. Two sub-services are supported: Standard Speed Rail Subservice which is applicable to light rail transit, commuter rail and heavy rail trains with operational speeds up to 79 miles per hour (MPH); and High Speed Rail Subservice which is applicable to all passenger and freight trains with operational speeds from 80 to 125 MPH.
1.10.1The Highway-Rail Intersection (HRI) function shall be applicable to operational, at-grade highway-rail intersections with train operational speeds up to 125 MPH.
1.10.1.1HRI users shall include light rail transit and rapid rail transit approaching and crossing HRIs.
1.10.1.2HRI users shall include commuter rail trains approaching and crossing HRIs.
1.10.1.3HRI users shall include freight and intercity passenger trains approaching and crossing HRIs.
1.10.1.6HRI users shall include train crews operating rail traffic while approaching and crossing HRIs.
1.10.1.7HRI users shall include rail maintenance and inspection vehicles approaching and crossing HRIs.
1.10.2HRI shall provide interfaces between highway and rail management functions.
1.10.2.1HRI shall provide information management interfaces between highway and rail to coordinate traffic, demand and schedules.
1.10.2.1.3HRI shall provide closure data to traffic management for in-vehicle traveler advisory messages.
1.10.2.2HRI shall provide the capability for interactive real-time interfaces.
1.10.2.2.4HRI shall provide the capability to interface with highway vehicles approaching and crossing HRIs for traffic control information.
1.10.3At all HRIs with active railroad warning systems, HRI shall manage the traffic in the intersection.
1.10.3.1HRI shall be capable of augmenting the intersection with standard highway traffic signal devices.
1.10.3.2HRI shall include an automated collision avoidance function for highway vehicles approaching HRIs.
1.10.3.3HRI shall provide an Intelligent Intersection Controller (IIC) function to manage highway and rail traffic in the intersection.
1.10.3.3.1IIC shall control active highway traffic signal devices at HRIs to manage highway traffic.
1.10.3.3.2IIC function shall control active railway warning devices, including flashing lights and physical barriers for highway and walkway lanes at HRIs.
1.10.3.3.3IIC function shall provide an intersection surveillance system to derive the real-time status of traffic in the intersection.
1.10.3.3.4IIC function shall report real-time HRI equipment status.
1.10.4HRI shall include a Standard Speed Rail (SSR) Subservice to manage highway and rail traffic at HRIs for rail lines with operational speeds less than 80 MPH.
1.10.4.1SSR shall include active railroad warning systems at designated HRIs.
1.10.4.2SSR shall include passive HRIs with non-active warning systems.
1.10.4.2.1SSR shall augment passive warning signs with additional highway traffic control devices at passive HRIs.
1.10.5HRI shall provide a High Speed Rail (HSR) Subservice for HRIs on rail lines with operational speeds between 80 and 125 MPH.
1.10.5.1HSR shall include active roadside message devices to provide highway closure information at HSR HRIs.
1.10.5.2HSR shall provide special safety features to enhance safety.
1.10.5.2.1HSR shall close the HRI to highway traffic at a predetermined time (up to three minutes) before train arrival or when directed by train operations.
1.10.5.2.2HSR shall include a positive barrier function (e.g. four quadrant gates) to close the intersection to highway traffic for rail lines operating at speeds over 110 MPH.
1.10.5.2.6HSR shall provide HRI status to highway vehicles as either a "STOP FOR TRAIN" or a "PROCEED" indication.
8.0MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
8.1MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS
8.1.2Maintenance and Construction Operations shall provide a Roadway Management (RWM) function to monitor traffic, road surface, and environmental conditions and forecast traffic and road surface conditions to support management of routine and hazardous road condition remediation and to communicate changes in conditions. This function includes interactions among Traffic Managers, Supervisors, Dispatchers, Field Crews, Construction Crews, Asset Managers, Planning Agencies, and Weather Services Organizations.
8.1.2.1RWM shall support a number of different services, including but not limited to:
8.1.2.1(e)Repair activities
8.1.3Maintenance and Construction Operations shall provide a Work Zone Management and Safety (WZMS) function, which provides support for the effectiveness, safety, and efficiency of roadway operations during all work zone activities. This function includes interactions among Traffic Managers, Supervisors, Dispatchers, Field Crews, Construction Crews, Public Safety Organizations, Information Service Providers, and Travelers.
8.1.3.1WZMS shall monitor, control, and direct activity in the vicinity of work zones.
8.1.3.1.3WZMS shall be able to divert vehicles around work zones via automated lane changing techniques.
8.1.3.1.3.1WZMS shall collect information used to support automated lane changing, including but not limited to:
8.1.3.1.3.1(a)Volume
8.1.3.1.3.1(b)Occupancy
8.1.3.1.3.1(c)Speed
8.1.3.1.3.1(d)Headways
8.1.3.1.3.1(e)Vehicle characteristics
8.1.3.1.3.1(f)Merging distance
  
The detailed process and user service requirement traceability information on this page was extracted from the National ITS Architecture. Consult the National ITS Architecture web site for more information.

Last updated on 07-16-2003 using Ronald C. Ice and Associates Web Spinner Technology.