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Traffic Separation Studies

Greenville

Charlotte Northeast

Rocky Mount

Clayton

Status of TSS Projects

Crossing Closure Photos

Crossing Surface Improvement Photos

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

North Carolina DOT Traffic Separation Studies Volume II - Findings by Community
September 2004
Project Newsletters
and Articles
Charlotte-Feb. 2001
China Grove-Aug.1999
Clayton-May 2002
Concord-Aug. 1999
East Guilford County
May 2002 (pdf)
East Guilford County
July 2002 (pdf)
Fayetteville-June 2003 (pdf)
Harrisburg-Dec. 1988
Kannapolis-March 1999
Kinston-June 2004
July 2004
Landis-Dec. 1999
Morehead City-Winter 2002
Map 1, Map 2, Map 3
Wake Forest-Dec. 1999
Hundreds of people are killed each year in collisions at highway-railroad crossings. In 2005, there were 66 such collisions in North Carolina resulting in 6 deaths and 33 injuries.

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.

Southbound Carolinian passes through work area
State-sponsored Piedmont (Train 73) passes crossing closure activities in China Grove.
Tandem Ballast Truck
Crossing improvement underway.

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.

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 December 2006, the NCDOT had closed 120 public rail crossings based on recommendations from various Traffic Separation Studies and corridor diagnostics.

In 2007, work is underway in Charlotte, Fayetteville, Rocky Mount and Clayton to implement TSS findings and close the most dangerous crossings.

Contact: Arthur Petteway, PE

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