Rail Safety Research

TTI Rail Research promotes and actively researches ways to enhance the safety of the nation’s railway system.

Description

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s Rail Research group promotes and actively researches ways to enhance the safety of the nation’s railway system. Among their research disciplines include highway-rail grade crossings, hazardous materials, signal and train control, and operating practices.

Outreach and Technology Transfer

Safety being a key ingredient in research efforts, the Rail Research group hosts a biennial National Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Training Conference. This venue provides university-based researchers, industry professionals, federal and state department of transportation personnel, consultants, and vendors the opportunity to discuss current and future efforts to enhance safety for the public at highway-rail grade crossings. In addition, staff is involved with programs, such as Operation Lifesaver, to help educate the public about the dangers inherent at highway-rail crossings and trespassing along rail rights-of-way.

Research Initiatives

• Crew Resource Management (CRM) Training for the Railroad Industry
• Lack of Law Enforcement and Prosecution at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings
• Identification of Priority Rail Projects
• Strategic Planning for Minimizing the Impact of the Railroad on Texas A&M University
• Assessing the Impact of Railroad Operations in the Houston East End
• Continued Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Law Enforcement and Judicial Training

Resources

• Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Railroad Safety
• Operation Lifesaver Safety Tips & Messages

For More Information

Jeff Warner