State-of-the art rail crossing barricades tested in Michigan

State-of-the art rail crossing barricades were tested in Van Buren Township on 12.5.07. Unlike the standard barriers which descend to block half the road at a time, these barricades rise up from the pavement in a series of columns that is meant to discourage vehicles from driving around the gates. This is a first in the U.S.17 month study to see about the effectiveness of such a system.The cost of this test project is $257,000 with expenses being shared by MDOT and the Federal Railroad Administration. In 2006, there were 72 train/vehicle crashes in Michigan with 11 deaths and 19 injuries. Of the 72 crashes, 27 occurred at gated crossings. The columns are made of a tough but flexible plastic which would allow police, EMS or fire vehicles to drive over them in case of an emergency.

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[arssk06]

This is absolute stupidity!!! How about putting gates on both sides instead ? This is way worser than pork projects.....someone is making money.....

[radtek67]

Absolutely - flashing red lights, barricades across your lane, train whistle blasting - perhaps all these things should suggest that it is a bad idea to cross the tracks. Imagine the cost of embedding these things in the road. It's time that people took a bit of responsibility for their own lives. Mark the crossings well - make sure that bells and barricades are in good shape, but don't take money out of everyone's pockets by spending at least $100k (conservatively) for this silliness.

[101MTA]

That's pretty clever, where was it filmed at?

[Applachia0928]

@untensil It's because there are protocols and regulations imposed by the FRA that state that all trains must sound their horn for all emergencies, curves, crossings, departures, arrivals, and tests. So it's law, not engineer discretion. Does that answer your question?

[Applachia0928]

@AndrooUK @Alanheath @UncleFeedle

I live in Michigan, and these are only for areas where there are the most train vs car accidents, like that crossing. They are not a danger and the design is only prototypical. They will change and tweak until they have a good design. Didn't you SEE the testing sign at the beginning? Or do all three of you have such HORRIBLE eyesight that you need coke bottle lenses?

[briggsjos]

@UncleFeedle They are designed to come up after the gate falls halfway. but people should know that red means stop its as easy as 1+1=2. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that going through a red means consequences.

[UncleFeedle]

Probably not a good idea. A similar technique is in use here in the UK around certain bus terminals, and idiot drivers attempting short cuts have had their cars get stuck on the bollards as they emerge, unable to drive away. Imagine being in that situation with a train approaching.

[untensil]

I've noticed that north american train drivers use there horn a lot on the approach to railroad crossings, whereas in the UK its a little toot at the most. Anyone know why that is?

[alanheath]

I think (like most other commentors) that this is a shocking idea. I can see this being an additional danger which perhaps is not visible to people driving trucks. A red light means stop, a gate down means stop ... how many more warnings are needed?

[AndrooUK]

Terrible design! The bollards block the exits before the barriers are even down!

[bisbeejim1]

I doubt anyone is going to like something rising up out of the road. I think it is a bad idea.

[MrMartydhinton]

Bring this to va!! we need them