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The Impact of the Louisiana Grade Crossings: A Synthesis and System Analysis
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2022-02-01
[PDF-1.60 MB]
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Edition:Final Report, 05/2020-11/2021
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Abstract:Louisiana has over 3000 at-grade crossings of public roads with railroads. The number of private road/driveway crossings is unknown but likely exceeds the number of public crossings. In 2018, 91 grade crossing collisions were recorded, including six fatalities, in Louisiana. Although Louisiana has witnessed a decline in highway-rail crossing accidents in recent years, which mirrors national trends, it is still one of the 10 states that has the highest number of grade crossing collisions on average. At-grade crossings of public and private roads with railroads create unique intersections where trains and vehicles and other users meet. These are different modes of transportation with distinct physical and operational characteristics. In addition to present safety concerns, at-grade crossings also hamper railroad operations and efficiency. The primary goal of this study was to investigate incentive programs and their effectiveness for reducing the number of crossings through a comprehensive literature review and surveying and interviewing professionals in Louisiana. This study also looked for funding sources, concerns, and factors and selection process of crossing closure. The results show that the vast majority of agencies in Louisiana are concerned by the safety at railroad grade crossings with one third of them who would support closing crossings to reduce their concerns. Besides safety, three other primary concerns were identified: the condition and maintenance of crossing related facilities, traffic management, and access for active transportation (pedestrians and bicycles). There is no incentive programs for at-grade crossing closure offered by DOTD or other local agencies in Louisiana currently, except New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission. The professionals ranked the effectiveness of provided incentive programs by road improvement as the most effective, followed by nearby crossing grade separation, nearby crossing improvement, cash incentives, and track relocation. Based on the literature and survey results, this study recommends that any type of incentive program would work better than no incentive program. In fact, the combination of multiple incentive programs may be more effective than any individual program, and the state may utilize federal funding opportunities. For implementation, context-sensitive, accessible, and transparent policies, public education, and stakeholder engagement may help to improve the overall transportation safety and efficiency at railroad grade crossings.
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