Rail Crossing Information System Abstract (RCIS)
Author(s): Edgar
Poster Presentation:
Abstract:
Background:
The Roberts Bank Rail Corridor (RBRC) represents a critical east-west link for the movement of goods by rail— connecting ports, terminals, and other facilities to the larger North American rail network. Built prior to the densification of the Greater Vancouver Area, the railway now runs through the core of the “Langley’s” comprised of the City of Surrey, City of Langley, and the Township of Langley. Within the project area, this includes four at-grade rail crossings, where major roads intersect with the rail line.
Aims:
When trains transit through the “Langley’s” area of the corridor, the at-grade intersections may be blocked for extended periods. As a result, motorists in the area often experience significant delays while the crossings are blocked, as well as delays due to residual traffic congestion that can take many minutes to clear once the train has passed. Blocked crossings result in a number of other impacts for the general public – including reduced commerce, increased emergency response times, and increased pollution levels.
Methods:
A comprehensive study, led by Transport Canada, was conducted that predicted increasing railway traffic volumes in the upcoming years affecting the communities along the corridor. The study evaluated potential candidates for Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies such as the Rail Crossing Information System (RCIS), in order to mitigate the impact of trains transiting through the corridor.
Results:
The study evaluated potential candidates for Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies such as the Rail Crossing Information System (RCIS), in order to mitigate the impact of trains transiting through the corridor.
Discussion:
Each train detector is comprised of an innovative suite of integrated sensors and field controllers that detect and measure train metrics. Gathered information is ingested by the system, processed, and relayed to the six Motorist Advisory Signs (MAS). The MAS are a unique hybrid of static and dynamic information elements. The information displayed provides motorist with a predicted status of the four at-grade crossings relative to the motorist’s location, along with the train’s direction of travel. The information displayed enables motorists to make informed route choices and divert to nearby overpasses or unimpeded at-grade crossings to avoid travel delays.
Conclusions:
PBX drew on our extensive experience with Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), software/systems integration, and industrial process control to address this complex challenge. The engineered solution represents a highly effective fusion of unique driver notification messaging with robust detection technologies and sophisticated data analysis and response algorithms. The RCIS provides direct travel time savings benefit to the area residents who commute regularly.
Additional benefits include:
- Reduced environmental pollution levels by reducing unnecessary idle time and shortening travel times.
- Improved information for emergency responders
- Improved movement of goods and services
This is an industry-leading, made-in-BC solution, applying locally developed technology and engineering expertise to overcome a difficult challenge, positively affecting the communities of BC.