Description
PennDOT is conducting a CSX/SEPTA Grade Crossing Study as part of the Federal Railroad Administration Railroad Crossing Elimination Program. This study focuses on three grade crossings in the Philadelphia area where community members have consistently voiced concerns over congestion and delays due to frequent and extended gate activations. These crossings are:
- Meetinghouse Road (SR 3012) crossing at milepost 16.02 of CSX’s Philadelphia Subdivision in Upper Chichester Township, Delaware County, Crossing #140670C.
- Woodbourne Road (SR 2033) crossing at milepost 26.50 of CSX’s Trenton Subdivision and SEPTA’s West Trenton Line in Middletown Township, Bucks County, Crossing #589964G.
- Township Line Road (T347 MT; T346 LMT) / Big Oak Road (T345) crossing at milepost 27.27 of CSX’s Trenton Subdivision and SEPTA’s West Trenton Line in Middletown and Lower Makefield Townships, Bucks County, Crossing #589731K.
The delays at these crossings impact residents and businesses, as well as schools and first responders. At times, driver frustration has led to trespassing through the closed gates and illegal turnarounds in the roadway, posing risks to driver and pedestrian safety. The study will utilize artificial intelligence technology to evaluate a range of solutions including the potential for closing the highway-railroad at-grade crossings, grade separation alternatives, and site-specific congestion reduction and upgrades to enhance community safety at these crossings.
Study Objectives
- Observe and evaluate traffic congestion delays related to frequency and duration of gate activation periods using artificial intelligence technology.
- Develop alternatives for the highway-railroad at-grade crossing including potential crossing closure and grade separation.
- Determine potential solutions to reduce delays related to frequency and duration of gate activation periods.
- Identify site-specific safety upgrades at the crossing location.