Recording Devices for Interconnected Grade Crossing and Intersection Signal Systems: An InformationalReport

Over 15 years ago, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued 29 recommendations to improve safety at active controlled highway-rail grade crossings following the school bus-commuter train collision in Fox River Grove, Illinois. The objective of this task order was to develop technical information to assist highway agencies and railroads with integrating effective event recording devices within interconnected/preempted highway-rail grade crossing signal systems. This information is intended to be applicable to the installation of new systems as well as to retrofitting existing systems. The objective also included developing technical information that could be used to establish periodic inspection of traffic signals by State and local highway agencies as well as detailed joint annual inspections of interconnected highway-rail grade crossing signal systems. Specific emphasis was placed on highway agencies, as there are currently no national regulations to counterpart 49 CFR 234 and AREMA mandates for railroad agencies. The outcomes of this effort are focused to help the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) implement the two NTSB recommendations, supporting Safety Advisory 2010-02.