TRANSITIONS ELIMINATE IMPACT AT CROSSINGS

Transition grade-crossing designs help smooth the impact on rail cars as they leave the regular track and come in contact with the crossing. Grade crossings can result in increased dynamic wheel loading, poor ride and accelerated track deterioration. They are traditional troublespots for maintenance. A prototype transition, stepped design has been constructed out of existing concrete designs, going from "soft" parent track to the full concrete panels at the crossing, which is stiffest. Tests show it significantly reduces the strains associated with passing over traditional crossings. It is located at the Bates Mill Road crossing of the high-speed NJ Transit Atlantic City Line, near Atco, New Jersey.