1. VIII - Programming Projects – Project Funding

2. Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
State proper ID information for any particular crossing
Describe how the National Inventory can be used to identify crossing improvement needs
Organize and plan improvements based on the Accident Prediction Model
Identify, review and select funding for the making the improvements

3. Outline Crossing information - The National Inventory Prioritization
Diagnostic teams
Funding

4. National Inventory ID’s each crossing in the US (public and private)
Provides data similar to a that used at highway-highway intersections
“Traffic” counts
“Vehicular” speeds
Crash history
Notes: Source: R-HGCH Page 47
Following the adoption of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1972, the U.S. Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the railroad industry and the individual States, conducted a national inventory of all public and private highway-rail intersections. The inventory data record contains information regarding the location of the crossing, volume and type of roadway and railway traffic, type of traffic control device, physical and operational characteristics of the intersection.
Each highway-rail intersection is assigned a unique identification number consisting of up to six numeric characters and one alpha character. An inventory number is installed at each public crossing.
The alpha character provides an algorithmic check to the accuracy of the six digit number. A place number of 1 thru 6 is assigned starting from the left. Multiply each digit by its place number, sum the products, and divide by 22. Interpolate the remainder by the following table for the alpha character.
0 – A 4 – E 8 – J 12 – N 17 – U 21 – Y
1 – B 5 – F 9 – H 13 – P 18 – V
2 – C 6 – G 10 – L 14 – S 19 – W
3 – D 7 – H 11 – M 16 – T 20 – x
The Federal Railroad Administration serves as custodian of the national inventory file. The FRA has developed desktop computer software for efficient update and maintenance of the inventory data file. This software is available to States and railroad companies at no cost.
To obtain information regarding inventory update contact: FRA Office of Safety, 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington DC 20590
Exhibit 8-1: Front Cover of FRA Instructions for Electronic Submission
Image Source: FRA
Click for link

5. .
Interactivity:
Say:
An alternate method for number board placement is the use of straps to support a metal tag.
Highway safety funds are available for the replacement of number boards.
Railroads have additional number boards.
Notes: Source: R-HGCH Page 50
Exhibit 8-2: Crossing Number Board
Image Source: FHWA

6. National Database
AAR, ASLRA, States, FHWA, NHTSA, & FRA develop the DOT/AAR Crossing Inventory Numbering System, Operating Procedures, and Database
FRA is the Custodian for the States and Railroads National Inventory File
This is YOUR Inventory. FRA only updates it with YOUR data.
Notes: This next series of slides were prepared by the FRA Office of Safety. They have asked that the slides be included in the presentation to emphasize the need and importance of the National Inventory.
- The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA)

7. Purpose & Goals
1973 Federal-Aid Highway Act state inventory of all crossings
Must maintain the National Inventory
May maintain just National File
Requires priority list of improvements
Interactivity:
Say:
1973 Federal-Aid Highway Act (Section 203) requires each State to maintain a State Inventory of all crossings
Maintain the National Inventory
States may maintain just National File
Act also requires a Priority List of Improvements

8. Purpose & Goals (continued)
Purpose is provide Info to governments and RRs for Safety Improvement
Data + accident files = accident prediction
Support Homeland Security & ENS (1-800) Program
Interactivity:
Say:
Purpose is to Provide Information to Governments and Railroads for Safety Improvement
Merge Data with Accident Files to plan Safety improvements – Accident Prediction Model
2001 – Support Homeland Security and the Inventory is critical for supporting ENS (1-800) Program

9. Requirements
Every Railroad & State Agency maintains an Inventory of all Crossings
Each Crossing assigned a DOT Inventory Number posted on both sides of the Crossing
Private Company Rail Yards, Docks, etc.
Railroad Yards
DOT Number on Accident Reports
Interactivity:
Say:
“So, inventory ALL of your crossings now, and there will not be a problem later.”

10. Inaccurate Data – “Mismatches” A Big Problem
Analysis (Comparison of Data for 2002 to 2003)
151 Accident Reports had NO Inventory Record
290 had different Warning Devices (active or passive)
Interactivity:
Say:
Inaccurate Data – “Mismatches” A Big Problem
Railroad Accident Reporting Offices Need to Verify the Accident Reports with the National Inventory File before Filing, and make any necessary corrections

11. Inaccurate Data – “Mismatches” A Big Problem (continued)
40 were Closed at time of Accident
19 were Grade Separated
11 were in different States
143 were in different Countries
Interactivity:
Say:
Inaccurate Data – “Mismatches” A Big Problem
Railroad Accident Reporting Offices Need to Verify the Accident Reports with the National Inventory File before Filing, and make any necessary corrections

12. Crossing Information 741994P
Crossing Type  Public
Position  At Grade
Type of Device  Passive
Last Update  11/12/1997
Crossing in city of:  Tularosa
County  Otero
Street   HIGUERA
Highway   CO RD
Map #  2OF2 NM 19
Highway Syst Non Fed-Aid
State System?  No
Milepoint  
Road Class  Rural Local
Posted Route  
Direction  
District  2
AADT  300
AADT Year  
AADT Source  
% Trucks  5
Latitude  
Longitude  
Lat/Long Source  
Pullout Lane?  No
Railroad   UP
RR Division  TUCSON
RR Subdivision
CARRIZOZO
RR ID #  B
Timetable Station
ALAMOGORDO
Main Tracks  1
Other Tracks  0
Other Description  
Milepost  139545
Branch or Line  MAIN
RR with separate tracks?  
RR on same tracks?  
Day Thru Trains  6
Day Switch Trains  0
Night Thru Trains  6
Night Switch Trains  0
Max Timetable Speed  70
Typical Min Speed  50
Typical Max Speed  60
Track run down street?  No
Reflectorized Crossbucks  2
# Non-Reflect Crossbucks  0
# Standard Stop Signs  2
# Other Stop Signs  0
# Other Signs  0
Description Other  
# Reflectorized Gates  0
# Other Gates  0
# Flashers Over Traffic  0
# Flashers Not Over  0
# Mast Flashers  0
# Other Flashers  0
# Highway Signals  0
Suggested customization: Show the FRA crossing locator app
Interactivity:
Say:
Sample Crossing Information
The FRA has recently modified the National Inventory database. All data elements required for the database should be maintained. In addition to physical and operational data, photographs of the crossing are valuable to program development and response to request for information.
Exhibit 8-3: Crossing Information
Image Source: FHWA

13. Accident Information January 1975 - July 2003 For Crossing 741994P
Incident #
Date
Vehicle/Pedestrian
Railroad
Injured
Killed
L1501
06/17/1991
Truck SP
1198EP006
11/17/1998
Pick-up Truck UP 1
0103TS003
01/06/2003
Interactivity:
Say:
Accident Information From January July 2003   For Crossing P
The FRA maintains a web accessible file of all motor vehicle/train crashes. This information can be down loaded and placed with the inventory record.
The FRA incident file also includes the complete report filed by the railroad.
Notes:
Source: R-HGCH Page 51

14. Prioritization Enhances Objectivity Computer Adaptable
Uses National Database
Interactivity:
Say:
All intersections in the State’s inventory are allowed equal opportunity for selection.
The index is mathematically based; therefore, it can be calculated by computers using a computerized database.
The maintenance of a current highway-rail intersection database provides for recalculation of the priority index as physical and operational changes occur at the intersections.

15. Priority Ranking Methods
Hazard Index
Accident Prediction Model
US DOT Accident Prediction Model
Data Requirements
Use
Limitation
Interactivity:
Say:
Two Types of Ranking Methods
Hazard indices include:
New Hampshire Index
NCHRP 50
Peabody Dimmick Formula
State Formulas
U.S. DOT Accident Prediction Equations
U.S. DOT Accident Prediction Model :
The accident prediction formula developed by the U.S. DOT uses only data that are available in the U.S. DOT/AAR Crossing Inventory database.
There are computer programs available for both desktop and lap computers that will calculate the U.S. DOT Accident Prediction Model either from direct data input or from the national inventory data record format.
Both the Hazard Index and Accident Prediction methods include several factors that are important to the selection of a highway-rail intersection for safety improvement.
However, one of the most significant of the factors excluded from most methods is that of sight obstruction. Therefore, neither the hazard index or the accident prediction formula should be the sole determinant in the prioritization crossings procedure.
Notes: Reference: Rail-Highway Crossing Resource Allocation Procedure, User’s Guide, Third Edition. Available from FRA Office of Safety in photocopy form only.
Source: R-HGCH Page 54

16. Accident Predication Calculator
Warning Device
Passive
[ Gates ]
Number of Main Tracks 1
[ ]
Is Highway Paved?
Yes
[ Yes ]
Number of Traffic Lanes 2
[ ]
Maximum Train Speed 70
[ ]
Number of Day Trains 6
[ ]
Number of Day Switching Trains
[ ]
Number of Night Trains
Number of Night Switching Trains
Average Daily Traffic
300
[ ]
Prediction
.082
.025
Including 1 Accident in past 5 years
.106
.049
Left column is current information for crossing.  Right column begins with current information, but can be changed to do 'what if' calculations.  Make desired changes and press Recalculate to get new accident prediction values. 
Interactivity:
Say: If an accident prediction model is being used to establish project improvement priorities then a “calculator” can be include with the inventory system to establish the priority index. An additional use of this tool is to “play what if games”. For example each and every data element can be changed to represent known or anticipated changes in values. The priority index can then be recalculated. The inventory data elements are not altered by this procedure.

17. Interactivity:
Say: It may also be useful to maintain a mapping module for the inventory database. There are several computer models that are available for this purpose. The exact placement of crossing locations on a map is much more accurate if GPS coordinates are included in the database
Exhibit 8-4: Mapping Module for the Inventory Database
Image Source: FHWA

18. Example: Tularosa Corridor Accident Prediction Calculations
Crossing ID
Device
Paved
Tracks
Lanes
Train Speed
Day Trains
Day Switch
Night Trains
Night Switch
Traffic
Predicted
Crashes in last
5 years
with crashes
741993H
[Gates]
[Yes]
[1]
[2]
[70]
[6]
[0]
[380]
[.027]
[.013]
741994P
[300]
[.082]
[.106]
741995W
[100]
[.018]
[.009]
Total
[.127]
[.128]
Interactivity:
Say: Another advantage of both the calculator and the mapping module is the ability to conduct corridor analysis. Changes can be made in the database to calculate the total (comprehensive) index for the corridor. Warning device upgrades, closures and limits for the corridor. traffic reassignment are but a few of the changes that may be proposed. The objective of the analysis is to establish the lowest priority rating for the corridor that is within the funding available.

19. FRA WBAPS (Web Based Accident Prediction System)
Suggested customization: These slides should be updated for each course. This information & Appendix A in the workbook are for Missouri
Interactivity:
Say: These next 4 slides present FRA’s WBAPS model.
Exhibit 8-5: FRA WBAPS User Interface
Image Source: FHWA

20. FRA WBAPS Interactivity: Say:
The Annual report uses the last complete calendar year.
The cyclic report uses more recent data.
Example – Annual report run on 4/9/13 provides info through 12/31/ While the Cyclic report provides info from 2/1/12 – 1/35/13 – much more current.
Do: Demonstrate the WBAPS for a local crossing (or ask students to if they have computers)
Exhibit 8-6: FRA WBAPS Report Generation
Image Source: FHWA

21. FRA WBAPS
Exhibit 8-7: FRA WBAPS Report Title Page
Image Source: FHWA

22. FRA WBAPS Suggested customization: Update info for host state.
Notes: These are Alaska’s “Top 10.” Their Full Report lists 177 crossings. Appendix A = Full Report
Interactivity:
Ask: ASK ABOUT PRACTICE IN HOST STATE
Exhibit 8-8: FRA WBAPS Full Report
Image Source: FHWA

23. Non-Train Accidents Interactivity: Say:
Non-train accidents at highway rail intersections are approximately two times the number of motor vehicle/train accidents
Some 65% of the non-train accidents involve motor vehicles traveling in the same direction.
Exhibit 8-9: Non-train Accidents
Image Source: FHWA

24. Diagnostic Team Evaluation
Responsibility
Membership
Procedure
Recommendations
Notes:
The Diagnostic Study Team Method is a term that is used to describe an evaluation procedure specifically focused upon the highway-rail intersection. Because of the multi-jurisdictional aspects of this intersection, it is necessary to have experienced and skilled team members from several disciplines. The procedure has been adopted in the FHWA’s Highway Safety Engineering Studies.
It is the Diagnostic Team’s responsibility to identify safety deficiencies, recommend countermeasures for improving safety at the intersection, and to assign responsibility for specific project activity. For example, the traffic engineer would determine what traffic control device would be the most appropriate warning system. The railroad representative would determine how the device would be installed and maintained. If interim actions, including installation of devices, were necessary, assignments of responsibility would be made.
Source: R-HGCH Page 62

25. Interactivity:
Say:
Diagnostic team members should be representative of the railroad, State and local roadway engineering staff.
Team members should observe traffic safety practices and wear safety equipment while on or near the crossing.
Exhibit 8-10: Diagnostic Team
Image Source: FHWA

26. Improvements to Consider
Crossing Closure
Site Improvements
Geometric
Site Distances
Crossing Surfaces
Traffic Control Devices
Bike and Pedestrian considerations
Interactivity:
Say:
It is the diagnostic team’s responsibility to determine the appropriate warning device to be installed at the intersection.
It is also the diagnostic team’s responsibility to determine if an interim device is to be installed and to assign the responsibility for the installation and maintenance of the device.
The diagnostic team should consider, in addition to warning device needs at the crossing, the approach roadway and accuracy of inventory record.
Source: R-HGCH Page 75 (ID of Alternatives), Page 145 (Selection of Alts), Page 163 (GradeDec)

27. Sample Recommended Upgrades
Upgrade to lights and gates and improve surface conditions at this crossing.
ESTIMATED COSTS:
SECTION $160,000
UP (w/ closure) $60,000
UP (w/o closure) $20,000
TOTAL $180,000-$220,000
Interactivity:
Say:
This is and Example Intersection for Cost Estimation
Another important use of the inventory system is the preparation of individual project proposal and recommendation.
Information from the system permits computer software to prepare reports such as this with little effort and hard copy file searching.
Exhibit 8-11: Sample Recommended Upgrades
Image Source: FHWA

28. Funding Sources Federal State Local Government Railroads
Private Industry (Others)
Interactivity:
Say: Funding sources for highway-rail safety improvements include Federal, State, and local government funds. In addition, railroads and other private industries provide a significant amount of funding for this purpose. In general, public agencies fund public crossing safety improvement construction projects, while railroads and private industry fund private crossing safety projects. Railroads assume most of the cost of maintaining both public and private crossings.
Notes: Source: R-HGCH Page 167

29. Federal-Aid Highway Funds
Highway Safety Improvement Program (130 Funds)
Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP Funds)
Surface Transportation Funds (STP)
National Highway Performance Program (NHPP)
Interactivity:
Say:
Refer to these MAP-21 fact sheets for funding opportunities
$7,500 incentive payment for crossing closures
HSIP -
STP -
NHPP -

30. Section 130 Funds Set-aside from HSIP Apportionments: Funding:
50% based on formula factors
50% based on number of crossings in a State
Funding:
States have 4 years to obligate the funds (the fiscal year they are apportioned plus 3 additional years)
Eligibility
Must be used on public crossings
50% must be used for protective devices
50% can be used for any hazard elimination project including protective devices
Notes:
50% based on the formula factors for the Surface Transportation Program (STP) in 23 USC 104(b)(3)(A), as in effect the day before enactment of MAP-21; and
50% based on the number of public railway-highway crossings.
50% of each State's railway-highway crossings funds must be set aside for the installation of protective devices at railway-highway crossings. [23 USC 130(e)]
Special rule -- If a State demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that it has met all its needs for installation of protective devices at railway-highway crossings, the funds may be used for other highway safety improvement purposes. [23 USC 130(e)]

31. Section 130 Funds Eligibility (Continued)
Up to 2% can be used by the State for data and annual reports
Can be used as a local match on State funded projects
$7,500 (matched by the RRs) incentive payments to local agencies to close a crossing
Can NOT be used for trespassing away from a public crossing (ie fencing along a RR right of way)

32. Section 130 Funds Reporting FAST Act
Each year each State is required to submit to FHWA a report on their Section 130 Program
Every two years on April 1, FHWA submits a report to Congress on the Section 130 Program
FAST Act
Each State will have to develop or update an Action Plan
States can use Section 130 Funds to develop or update their Action Plan

33. State Funding Separate Funds Maintenance Reimbursement
Crossing Closure Incentives
State agencies are responsible for the administration of the Federal-aid highway program. States are also responsible for the non-federal matching funds for highway-rail safety improvements. In most instances, States use their own funds for the non-federal match. In some instances, local governmental agencies and railroads are required to contribute to the non-federal match.
Some States have established separate State funding programs specifically earmarked for crossing safety improvement.
Some States have funding programs for reimbursing railroads for a portion of the annual maintenance cost of highway-rail intersection components.
At least two States provide financial incentives for local governmental agencies to close unnecessary at-grade public crossings.
Ask about practice in this state.

34. Local Government Funding
Improvements
Matching
Maintenance
Monitoring
Interactivity:
Say:
Some local governments provide some or all of the non-federal match for crossing safety improvements.
A few local governments have established funding programs to reimburse railroads for a portion of warning device maintenance costs.
Frequently, local governments will participate with Federal, State, and railroads to improve safety in a specific rail corridor.
Monitor maintenance through program.

35. Railroad Expenditures
Improvements
Rehabilitation
Maintenance
Interactivity:
Say:
The railroads spend in excess of $50 million a year for highway-rail intersection improvements. These funds are about equally divided between warning devices, surfaces, and grade separations. In addition, railroads spend some $3 million per year on corridor and special route projects. In some instances, State law requires railroads to match State incentive payments to local governments for crossing closure.
The railroads report that they spend more than $140 million each year on highway-rail intersection maintenance. Only about 2% (less than $3 million) is expended on private crossing maintenance.
Exhibit 8-12: A 23 MPH Collision
Image Source:

36. Outcomes Review Can you:
State proper ID information for any particular crossing?
Describe how the National Inventory can be used to identify crossing improvement needs?
Organize and plan improvements based on the Accident Prediction Model?
Identify, review and select funding for the making the improvements?
Interactivity:
Ask: Can you?

37. VIII - Programming Projects – Project Funding