Coordination with Railroad Companies for Inspection of Interconnected Traffic Signals

Coordination with Railroad Companies for Inspection of Interconnected Traffic Signals

WI ITE Traffic Engineering Council Meeting

April 9, 2009

WisDOT requires annual joint inspection of railroad-interconnected traffic signals. WisDOT is currently developing an inspection form based on the MNDOT’s inspection form. The locals need to coordinate with the railroad company for the inspection. However, if they are not able to reach the railroad company for some reason, they should communicate with the regional railroad contact. The list of the regional railroad contacts is:

SW Region - Roger Larson - 608-246-7916

SE Region - Paul Derksen - 262-548-8770

NE Region - Jared Kinziger - 920-492-7713

NC Region - Steve Kienitz - 715-365-5762

NW Region - Anna Davey - 715-392-7960

MnDOT Practice

“Mn/DOT Traffic Signal Timing and Coordination Manual” states that yearly inspections of traffic signals, preempted by trains or LRT are required to be performed and submitted to the Office of Freight, Railroads and Waterways. It is the responsibility of the roadway authority that has responsibility for the operation of the traffic signal to initiate the annual inspection. The rail authority shall be contacted prior to inspection and a representative shall be present during each inspection. This joint inspection is critical, as the operation of railroad preemption systems is dependent on both the railroad and highway agencies. The inspection should be done while a train passes through the area if possible. During this inspection, a general review of the highway intersection and railroad crossing for proper signing, pavement markings, signals, sight distances, and changes in conditions should be made. MnDOT has developed a “Mn/DOT ANNUAL TRAFFIC SIGNAL AND RAILROAD PREEMPTION INSPECTION FORM” for the purposes of these annual inspections. MnDOT acts as the coordinating body between the RR and locals to ensure the joint inspections are conducted. (The District Traffic Engineer will ensure that each location under Mn/DOT jurisdiction is inspected.)