Waukesha-Wauwatosa Rail Corridor safety Study
We appreciate you joining us virtually to learn more about and provide your feedback on the Waukesha-Wauwatosa rail corridor safety study.
In June 2022 the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded funding for a Pedestrian and Bike Safety Study for rail corridors in Waukesha and Wauwatosa. This funding is part of the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) federal grant program.
Spend a few minutes clicking through the slides to learn more about these two areas and how WisDOT plans to identify potential solutions to improve safety.
Study Overview
In June 2022 the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded funding for a Pedestrian and Bike Safety Study for rail corridors in Waukesha and Wauwatosa. This funding is part of the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) federal grant program.
WisDOT is using these funds to develop potential safety solutions along two different railroad corridors—the CN main line in Waukesha and the CPKC Chicago-St. Paul line in Wauwatosa. These proposed safety improvements are not yet final and additional funding sources will need to be procured before implementation of the study recommendations.
Why these two areas?
Both corridors exhibit much higher proportions of crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists when compared to all Wisconsin highway-rail grade crossing crashes. This is also seen when compared to only those crashes occurring in urban areas.
WisDOT Plans
In 2022, WisDOT finalized its updated statewide long-range transportation plan (LRTP), known as Connect 2050.
Click here to visit the WisDOT Plans webpage
One of the eight goals of the plan is “Maximize Transportation Safety” and four of the related safety objectives were related to rail crossing safety:
- Develop and maintain a system that is safe and secure.
- Strategically align resources to make progress toward the goal of zero fatalities in Wisconsin.
- Leverage data and technology to improve safety.
- Research and implement innovative safety solutions that involve education, engineering, enforcement, emergency management, and everyone.
Improvement Types
Engineering Improvements
There are several different types of improvements our team is exploring to advance safety at these intersections.
Large Scale Projects
- Grade crossing elimination
- Grade-separated crossings
- Railroad rerouting
Small/Medium Scale Projects
- Geometric/sight distance improvements
- Pedestrian barriers and tactile warning strips
- Fencing/natural barricades and other channelization devices
Signals and Audible Warning
- Vehicular and pedestrian gates, flashing lights, and audible warning devices (“bells”)
- Pedestrian/bicycle signals
- Rail signal warning time adjustment
Active Electronic Monitoring
- Remote train detection
- Track zone detection/smart warning systems
- “Another Train Coming” signs
Signing and Pavement Markings
- Contrasting pavement colors/textures (“dynamic envelope pavement markings”)
- Additional advance warning signage
- Pavement marking
Other
- In-roadway warning lights
- Anti-trespass panels
- Illumination/lighting and LED-enhanced signs
Education Improvements
When walking, jogging or riding through railroad crossings, it’s important to know what to do when you see railroad signs and signals.
The following education tools and resources can be used to increase rail crossing safety:
- Safety campaigns such as “See tracks? Think Train!”
- Targeted presentations and tables (safety table at farmers market)
- Integrating railroad safety messaging into school curriculum
- Seasonal railroad safety messaging such as Safety Blitz
- Handouts, brochures, or other communication materials
- Suicide prevention awareness
Enforcement Improvements
Railroad tracks and equipment are private property and being on them is trespassing. It’s illegal.
The following are used to enforce railroad crossing safety:
- Routine enforcement by local law enforcement for unsafe vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian actions.
- Coordination between local law enforcement and railroad police.
- Targeted enforcement efforts focused on specific events or time periods.
- Deterrence of unsafe behaviors through routine patrols and law enforcement presence.
- Law enforcement training on applicable rail crossing safety laws and other grade crossing training resources.
Pedestrian-Eye View
This slide illustrates a common situation at many of the crossings where the placements of the crossing signals are not fully within the view of pedestrian users on all sidewalk approaches.
Image A: At a distance, the rail crossing signal and signage are visible to pedestrians as they approach. The signals are partially obstructed by the traffic signal and the Do Not Stop On Tracks signage.
Image B: As the pedestrian comes closer to the crossing, the rail signals and signage are still visible and provide sufficient warning of approaching trains.
Image C: At the final decision point where the pedestrian is determining whether it is safe to cross the tracks, the crossing signals are no longer within the field of view of the pedestrian, but are above and to the left. Visual and audio distractions from roadway noise, traffic signals, and handheld devices may all contribute to general distraction.
Image D: Placing flashing light signals directly in the field of view of pedestrians will provide additional warning at the most critical time for determining whether it is safe to cross the tracks.
