Appendix F to Part 222 - Diagnostic Team Considerations
49:4.1.1.1.17.5.15.1.30 : Appendix F
Appendix F to Part 222 - Diagnostic Team Considerations
For purposes of this part, a diagnostic team is a group of
knowledgeable representatives of parties of interest in a
highway-rail grade crossing, organized by the public authority
responsible for that crossing who, using crossing safety management
principles, evaluate conditions at a grade crossing to make
determinations or recommendations for the public authority
concerning the safety needs at that crossing. Crossings proposed
for inclusion in a quiet zone should be reviewed in the field by a
diagnostic team composed of railroad personnel, public safety or
law enforcement, engineering personnel from the State agency
responsible for grade crossing safety, and other concerned
parties.
This diagnostic team, using crossing safety management
principles, should evaluate conditions at a grade crossing to make
determinations and recommendations concerning safety needs at that
crossing. The diagnostic team can evaluate a crossing from many
perspectives and can make recommendations as to what safety
measures authorized by this part might be utilized to compensate
for the silencing of the train horns within the proposed quiet
zone.
All Crossings Within a Proposed Quiet Zone
The diagnostic team should obtain and review the following
information about each crossing within the proposed quiet zone:
1. Current highway traffic volumes and percent of trucks;
2. Posted speed limits on all highway approaches;
3. Maximum allowable train speeds, both passenger and
freight;
4. Accident history for each crossing under consideration;
5. School bus or transit bus use at the crossing; and
6. Presence of U.S. DOT grade crossing inventory numbers clearly
posted at each of the crossings in question.
The diagnostic team should obtain all inventory information for
each crossing and should check, while in the field, to see that
inventory information is up-to-date and accurate. Outdated
inventory information should be updated as part of the quiet zone
development process.
When in the field, the diagnostic team should take note of the
physical characteristics of each crossing, including the following
items:
1. Can any of the crossings within the proposed quiet zone be
closed or consolidated with another adjacent crossing? Crossing
elimination should always be the preferred alternative and it
should be explored for crossings within the proposed quiet
zone.
2. What is the number of lanes on each highway approach? Note
the pavement condition on each approach, as well as the condition
of the crossing itself.
3. Is the grade crossing surface smooth, well graded and free
draining?
4. Does the alignment of the railroad tracks at the crossing
create any problems for road users on the crossing? Are the tracks
in superelevation (are they banked on a curve?) and does this
create a conflict with the vertical alignment of the crossing
roadway?
5. Note the distance to the nearest intersection or traffic
signal on each approach (if within 500 feet or so of the crossing
or if the signal or intersection is determined to have a potential
impact on highway traffic at the crossing because of queuing or
other special problems).
6. If a roadway that runs parallel to the railroad tracks is
within 100 feet of the railroad tracks when it crosses an
intersecting road that also crosses the tracks, the appropriate
advance warning signs should be posted as shown in the MUTCD.
7. Is the posted highway speed (on each approach to the
crossing) appropriate for the alignment of the roadway and the
configuration of the crossing?
8. Does the vertical alignment of the crossing create the
potential for a “hump crossing” where long, low-clearance vehicles
might get stuck on the crossing?
9. What are the grade crossing warning devices in place at each
crossing? Flashing lights and gates are required for each public
crossing in a New Quiet Zone. Are all required warning devices,
signals, pavement markings and advance signing in place, visible
and in good condition for both day and night time visibility?
10. What kind of train detection is in place at each crossing?
Are these systems old or outmoded; are they in need of replacement,
upgrading, or refurbishment?
11. Are there sidings or other tracks adjacent to the crossing
that are often used to store railroad cars, locomotives, or other
equipment that could obscure the vision of road users as they
approach the crossings in the quiet zone? Clear visibility may help
to reduce automatic warning device violations.
12. Are motorists currently violating the warning devices at any
of the crossings at an excessive rate?
13. Do collision statistics for the corridor indicate any
potential problems at any of the crossings?
14. If school buses or transit buses use crossings within the
proposed quiet zone corridor, can they be rerouted to use a single
crossing within or outside of the quiet zone?
Private Crossings Within a Proposed Quiet Zone
In addition to the items discussed above, a diagnostic team
should note the following issues when examining any private
crossings within a proposed quiet zone:
1. How often is the private crossing used?
2. What kind of signing or pavement markings are in place at the
private crossing?
3. What types of vehicles use the private crossing?
School buses
Large trucks
Hazmat carriers
Farm equipment
4. What is the volume, speed and type of train traffic over the
crossing?
5. Do passenger trains use the crossing?
6. Do approaching trains sound the horn at the private
crossing?
State or local law requires it?
Railroad safety rule requires it?
7. Are there any nearby crossings where train horns sound that
might also provide some warning if train horns were not sounded at
the private crossing?
8. What are the approach (corner) sight distances?
9. What is the clearing sight distance for all approaches?
10. What are the private roadway approach grades?
11. What are the private roadway pavement surfaces?
Pedestrian Crossings Within a Proposed Quiet Zone
In addition to the items discussed in the section titled, “All
crossings within a proposed quiet zone”, a diagnostic team should
note the following issues when examining any pedestrian crossings
within a proposed quiet zone:
1. How often is the pedestrian crossing used?
2. What kind of signing or pavement markings are in place at the
pedestrian crossing?
3. What is the volume, speed, and type of train traffic over the
crossing?
4. Do approaching trains sound the horn at the pedestrian
crossing?
State or local law requires it?
Railroad safety rule requires it?
5. Are there any crossings where train horns sound that might
also provide some warning if train horns were not sounded at the
pedestrian crossing?
6. What are the approach sight distances?
7. What is the clearing sight distance for all approaches?