Selection of Level Crossings for Closure in the State of Florida: An Optimization-based Approach

Taking into account an increasing demand for rail transportation in Florida, large number of level crossings, high frequency of collisions between trains and highway vehicles at level crossings, this project will assist the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) with the following primary objectives: (1) develop a novel optimization model that will assist the FDOT personnel with the selection of level crossings for closure, taking into consideration the existing crossing exposure to rail and roadway traffic, percentage of trucks, number of school buses traversing the level crossing per day, existing traffic delays, and other relevant factors; (2) develop a standalone application, which will be based on the proposed optimization model, in order to facilitate decision making and effectively identify level crossings for closure; (3) conduct a set of case studies to illustrate some managerial implications from level crossing closures in the State of Florida (i.e., how crossing closures would improve safety and reduce traffic delays); (4) improve safety of highway travelers and ensure continuity of freight flows in Florida; and (5) reduce emissions produced by vehicles in the vicinity of level crossings in Florida and improve quality of life.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $250000
• Contract Numbers:

  BED30 977-04

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Florida Department of Transportation

  Research Center
  605 Suwannee Street MS-30
  Tallahassee, FL  United States  32399-0450
• Managing Organizations:

  Florida Department of Transportation

  Research Center
  605 Suwannee Street MS-30
  Tallahassee, FL  United States  32399-0450
• Project Managers:

  Jules, Eugene

• Performing Organizations:

  Florida Department of Transportation

  Research Center
  605 Suwannee Street MS-30
  Tallahassee, FL  United States  32399-0450
• Principal Investigators:

  Dulebenets, Maxim

• Start Date: 20220620
• Expected Completion Date: 20240630
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Decision support systems; Railroad grade crossings; Traffic control; Traffic safety
• Geographic Terms: Florida
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01849374
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Florida Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: BED30 977-04
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jun 23 2022 3:07PM