Shared-Use Corridors Survey of Current Practice and Recommendations for the Future

摘要

The paper addresses current practice in shared use of rail corridors. For this purpose the paper reviews an inventory of such corridors performed recently for the Federal Railroad Administration. Design elements related to the design and construction of light rail transit (LRT) systems in joint use corridors, currently operating or under construction, are discussed. Design elements examined in existing and under construction joint use systems include grade separation, intrusion fences, crash walls, retaining walls, grade crossings, and drainage facilities. Recommendations for future action in regard to design and operation are developed based on the findings of the survey of the current practice. To assist the LRT designer with new projects, examples from existing LRT systems operating in shared corridors or such systems under construction is provided. The authors hope that this paper might serve as the first step in developing official design criteria and standards governing transportation corridors shared by LRT and freight railroad operations.