Highway-Rail Quad Gate Operation Time by System Simulation of Dynamic Dilemma Zone

Abstract

A simulation model incorporating determination of a dynamic dilemma zone and algorithms to determine gate operation parameters for train-vehicle collision avoidance at highway-rail intersections (HRI) is developed, validated, and applied to two crossings on the Chicago-St. Louis High Speed Passenger Rail Corridor. A dynamic dilemma zone, as opposed to a static dilemma zone, is a road segment on approach to an intersection, which varies in length based on fluctuations in vehicle speeds and the number of vehicles within a road segment. Findings from the system simulation indicate that the proposed operating policy of control devices at highway-rail intersections is appropriate to provide advance warning and theoretically, detection parameters for eliminating high risk of a collision between vehicles within a dynamic dilemma zone and a train. Application to intelligent transportation system safety algorithms for HRI should be considered.