TraxAlert™ At Grade Road-Rail Crossing
U.S. Utility Patent Number 6,683,540 B1 January 2004
Enhanced Highway-Rail Crossing
Enhancing railroad-grade crossings with our in-pavement signaling system, called the TraxAlert™, will greatly improve motorist-crossing safety. According to the US DOT there are 240,528 at-grade highway-rail crossings in the United States. Even with gates and signal lights, nearly 50% of vehicle-train collisions occur at crossings with these active warning devices.
Currently the TraxAlert™approach is considered "experimental." We are in fact seeking cities interested in further experimenting and developing concept analysis which will lead ultimately to the TraxAlert™ concept as an accepted standard in the FHWA -MUTCD.
TraxAlert™
Train Crossing
Paramount, California
The highway–rail crossing is located at the intersection of Paramount Boulevard and Rosecrans Avenue in Paramount, California. The location is unusual because the railroad crosses diagonally through the intersection and not just across one approach.
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The Signaling System
The TraxAlert™ system utilizes a series of in-pavement signal modules placed across the road in front of the railroad tracks. The system is activated by an approaching train.
The in-pavement LED signal lights flash a light beam, with our proprietary Enlighten 1™ flash rate for a short interval , (This flash rate attracts and holds the drivers attention) then maintains a steady RED towards approaching vehicles.
These focalized light beams merge at the eye level of approaching motorists about 200 to 400 feet before the railroad crossing. This is known as the "Zone of Convergence" and is determined by the posted vehicle speed limit
As the train enters into the crossing zone, the signaling system is activated. The “advance” in-pavement warning lights begin flashing in a warning amber-colored light, and the rail crossing lights are flashing in red. Then as the train enters the nearer intersection-crossing zone, the flashing changes to steady red at the crossing and in the Enlighten 1™ flashing pattern continues in amber at the advance warning light line.
The TraxAlert™ in-pavement signal light combination of 1) advance amber warning IRWL’s, 2) the ActiveWarning™ LED enhanced RR crossing sign, and 3) at-grade IRWL’s should prove to be an effective system for reducing the unwanted accidents that occur on a regular basis at railroad crossings across the country.
If railroad-crossing gates are utilized, the TraxAlert™ system can be synchronized and used in conjunction with the lowering of the gate.
Warranty and Maintenance
LightGuard Systems™ offers a three year conditional warranty on its in-pavement signal module components. These systems operate on DC current and can be solar powered.
When required, maintenance on our signal heads is simple. There are four bolts to remove and a plug to disconnect. A malfunctioning signal head can be replaced in a few minutes. Each generation of signal head is designed to retro-fit back into older systems.
Our company provides a staff of highly trained individuals who have extensive experience with specialized LED enhanced systems. Our systems solutions and resulting customer satisfaction bring repeat business. Clients report that our customer service is excellent. They appreciate our prompt response and friendly, professional manner.
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