NCDOT Rail Division > Safety Programs > Traffic Separation Studies

Traffic Separation Studies

Greenville

Charlotte Northeast

Rocky Mount

Clayton TSS

Clayton Grade Separation

North Carolina DOT Traffic Separation Studies Volume I - Assessments
September 2004

North Carolina DOT Traffic Separation Studies Volume II - Findings by Community
September 2004

Hundreds of people are killed each year in collisions at highway-railroad crossings. To reduce the chance of such accidents, the NCDOT Rail Division works with communities to study how how best to separate railroad and highway traffic. Engineers develop a comprehensive traffic separation study (TSS) to determine which public crossings need improvements and which need to be closed.

Before conducting a study, the NCDOT meets with the municipality or Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to discuss the scope of the work, schedule and other concerns. During this preliminary planning phase all parties agree to make a best faith effort to implement the improvements identified in the TSS.

During the study phase, the engineering consultant collects traffic data for the public rail crossings in the study area. The consultants also take into account the economic impact of the potential closings. A draft of the consultant's recommendations is then submitted to the Rail Division and the public for review and comment. The recommendations are prioritized to include near-term, mid-term and long-term improvements. (See table below for examples of suggested improvements.)

Near-term (0-2 years) Improvements	Mid-term (2-5 years) Improvements	Long-term (5-10 years) Improvements
Install flashing lights and gates	Relocate existing crossings	Grade-separate crossing
Close crossings	Realign roadway	Build connecting roadways
Enhanced devices	Close crossings	Close crossings

Public hearings are scheduled in each community to give residents a chance to voice opinions about the proposed recommendations. The forums also allow NCDOT to discuss the benefits of enhanced crossing safety.

Southbound Carolinian passes through work area

State-sponsored Piedmont (Train 73) passes crossing closure activities in China Grove.

In the implementation phase, NCDOT officials identify funding for the proposed enhancements (typically 90% are federal funds with a 10% local match). The freight railroads sometimes provide additional resources.

As of May 8, 2008, the NCDOT had closed 131 public rail crossings based on recommendations from various Traffic Separation Studies and corridor diagnostics.

In 2008, work is underway in Charlotte, Fayetteville, Rocky Mount, High Point, Greensboro, and Clayton to implement TSS findings and close the most dangerous crossings.

Contact: Arthur Petteway, PE