Preliminary Planning Phase (completed in January 2005):
During this phase, NCDOT and the City of Greenville agreed to work together to identify and implement improvements outlined in the future Traffic Separation Study (TSS). An engineering consultant (in this case, STV/Ralph Whitehead Associates) was then selected by NCDOT to conduct the TSS.
Study Phase
(currently underway):
STV/Ralph Whitehead Associates is evaluating all public crossings within the study area to determine the existing crossing conditions, average daily traffic (both trains and vehicles), and impacts of potential closings. Click here for more information.
Implementation Process:
This phase will commence once the Study Phase is complete and the plan has been adopted by City Council. During this phase, NCDOT officials identify funding sources for recommended improvements, develop project agreements with the City of Greenville, coordinate project design and property acquisition, coordinate crossing closures with railroad and state highway officials, and oversee project implementation. Based on the recommendations approved from the Study Phase, the study team will develop a plan for implementation of those projects.
NCDOT Rail Division
1556 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1556
Phone: 919 715-3686
Email: nhorne@dot.state.nc.us
Contact: Nancy Horne, PE
Project Engineer
Improving Railroad Crossings in Greenville
A growing number of housing and job opportunities are contributing to population increases in and around the City of Greenville. As traffic volume grows and the number of freight and passenger trains continues to increase, Greenville's elected officials and North Carolina Department of Transportation ( NCDOT) staff agree that a high priority must be given to safety enhancement projects such as the Greenville Traffic Separation Study.
Since CSX Transportation and Carolina Coastal Railway operate trains through Greenville continued improvements to crossings can help lessen the possibility of train-vehicle collisions. In addition, as trains pass across roadways, vehicular access at the tracks is blocked, affecting emergency services, deliveries, school buses and commuters. Improved crossings can help traffic flow through these intersections.
During 2006 there were 75 rail-highway grade crossing collisions in North Carolina, resulting in eight deaths and 21 injuries. To reduce the potential for train-vehicle collisions, NCDOT is working with communities such as Greenville to conduct detailed engineering evaluations and implement recommended rail crossing improvements. The Traffic Separation Study (TSS) conducted by NCDOT consultant STV/Ralph Whitehead Associates evaluated the volume of train traffic and flow of vehicular traffic patterns through town. It recommends crossing improvements that may include the following: upgrading existing, or adding new, flashing lights and gates; relocating existing crossings; or, in some cases, closing the crossing. These enhancements result in improving the safety of motorists, pedestrians, rail passengers and train crews. As of December 2006, the NCDOT has closed approximately 120 public rail crossings based on recommendations from various TSS and corridor studies.
NCDOT is currently conducting a TSS of 45 highway grade crossings of the CSX Transportation and the Carolina Coastal Railway lines in the City of Greenville. Click on the Traffic Separation Study Grade Crossing Maps link to access a map of these crossings and the proposed improvement for each.