Operation of Light Rail Transit Through Ungated Crossings at Speeds Over 35 MPH. Web-Only Document 53

摘要

This report presents the findings and results of the investigation conducted in support of TCRP Project A-32, Operation of Light Rail Transit through Ungated Crossings at Speeds over 35 MPH. In addition, this report presents the findings of the micro-simulation modeling conducted as an alternative to an evaluation of the impacts of higher LRV speeds on selected locations in San Jose. The project panel agreed that the modeling was a feasible and valid alternative to a field test, necessitated by the City of San Joses decision to not participate in a field test. In addition, other municipalities/systems that were contacted to participate were not able to do so during the project schedule. The report is organized as follows: Chapter 2: Identification of Participating LRT Agency and Potential Study Crossings; Chapter 3: Assessment of the Operational and Safety Aspects of Existing, Alternative, and Possible Supplemental Traffic Control Devices; Chapter 4: Modeling/Simulation of Light Rail Operating Conditions: North First Street from East Brokaw Road to Trimble Road; Chapter 5: Risk Analysis; Appendix A: Summary of Crash Data at the Intersections of North First Street and Brokaw Road, Charcot Avenue, and Trimble Road; Appendix B: VTA Draft Letter to FHWA Requesting Permission to Experiment with an Increase in LRV Speeds to 40 MPH through Three Ungated Crossings; Appendix C: Conflict Data (a tabular presentation of the micro-simulation results); Appendix D: Testing Plan (developed initially for the test in San Jose, but could be used as a test plan template if another municipality decides to participate in the future); and Appendix E: Evaluation Plan.