Abstract:
In the past decade, many more street-running rail systems have come online and have had to deal with urban traffic and growth rather than corridors governed by the Federal Railroad Administration. This has led to a new set of hazards that an urban rail system must deal with; specifically, how to mitigate closer interactions with rubber-tired vehicles. Trying to install modern light rail and streetcar systems in an urban environment today requires an understanding of not only rail operations but also highway construction, the standards of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and a working relationship with city public works or roads departments to institute improvements. Houston METRORail has tried various engineering and operations changes to help reduce near misses and accidents: defensive driving training for operators; backplates, in-pavement lighting, and other traffic changes at intersections; working with the City Department of Public Works and Engineering on signage, striping, and traffic patterns; and partnering with stakeholders in creating safer environments for rubber-tired vehicles and pedestrians. Consideration must also be given for construction sites, special events, and track worker safety while workers are performing maintenance in a public right-of-way. Some changes were implemented and removed before revenue service when they did not have the expected effect.
0000-0002-7960-0978