92nd Street Railroad Signals and Gate Arms

Railroad Crossing Safety Background

The objective in crossing safety evaluations is to improve the safety and operations for both intersecting transportation modes: railroad and roadway. While drivers of motor vehicles have the flexibility of altering their path of travel and can alter their speed within a short distance, train operators are restricted to moving their trains down a fixed path with changes in speed accomplished much more slowly. Because of this, motorists tend to bear most of the responsibility for avoiding collisions with trains and the majority of crossing safety improvements focus on providing road users with information regarding the crossing.

While vehicle/train collisions are very infrequent at most crossings, the chance of death or serious injury when a crash occur is 11 times greater than other roadway collisions. Safety improvements that prevent vehicle/train collisions are an obvious benefit to the public. Other benefits include reduced vehicular delays and better access for emergency vehicles.
(Source: U.S Dept of Transporation FHWA Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Handbook)

Additional information may also be found on the MnDOT Rail Safety website external link .

Project Background

In general, two types of traffic control devices are used at roadway/railroad crossings:

devices that identify the crossing location, or
devices that identify the crossing location and provide notice of whether or not a train is approaching or occupying a crossing.

Since 2003 the City has systematically requested an average of one review per year of roadway/railroad crossings within Bloomington to determine the appropriate warning device for a crossing.

In 2007 a multi-agency review (MnDOT, City, Railroad) was performed at the 92nd Street crossing which identified railroad crossing signals and gate arms as the appropriate warning device for the crossing.

The review was requested by the City as part of a continued effort by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), in cooperation with federal, county, city and railroad agencies, to improve roadway-railroad crossing safety in Minnesota.

The current signs and pavement markings in place at the 92nd Street crossing indicate only that a crossing is present and relay the same message to motorists regardless of whether or not a train is approaching. Railroad signals and gate arms will identify the presence of the crossing and also indicate to drivers and pedestrians a train is indeed approaching.

Access

92nd Street will remain open to vehicle traffic throughout the duration of the project, however, periodic lane closures may occur. Access to driveways will be maintained at all times.

92nd Street railraod signal project map

Private Utilities

The light pole located on the south side of the street will be relocated on the same side of the street to facilitate all equipment associated with the signal and gate arms.

Signal and Gate Arm Operation

When a train approaches the crossing, the flashing signal lights will begin and the gate arm will be lowered.

During the time flashing signal lights are operating, a bell is required to sound a warning. The train horn will continue to sound as it does currently while the train travels through the intersection. The in place railroad crossing signs and pavement markings in advance of the tracks will remain to assist in identifying the location of the crossing.

Project Funding

The project is funded through the MnDOT Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Safety Improvement Program. The program uses federal funding that is provided annually to Medoc for rail safety improvement projects through the Federal Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). Federal funding pays for 90% of the project cost with City funds contributing the remaining 10%.

Project Schedule

It is anticipated to receive a letter to proceed from MnDOT for the installation of signals and gate arms at 92nd Street in March 2012.

Private utility relocations are expected to begin early May. Installation by the railroad of conduit and concrete foundations for the gate arms and signals will begin, weather depending, following completion of utility relocations mid to late 2012.

Installation of gate arms and signals to follow concrete work.

For more information, contact:

Justin Ernst, Civil Engineer
1700 W. 98th Street
PH: 952-563-4858, FAX: 952-563-4868
E-mail: jernst@ci.bloomington.mn.us

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