Title: OPERATIONAL ENHANCEMENTS: MAKING THE MOST OF LIGHT RAIL
Abstract: The at-grade light rail system between Long Beach and Los Angeles, a 22-mi double-track line, crosses 85 streets at grade. The five local jurisdictions involved in the system were understandably concerned about the traffic impact of light rail vehicles (LRVs) arriving at a peak headway of 6 min. The problems facing the designers were compounded by the adjacent Southern Pacific at-grade freight train operation, and by the proximity of major signalized intersections. The solution involved an assortment of integrated light rail and street traffic operational enhancements. In the exclusive right-of-way segments LRVs were given full priority over street traffic at all times at most major crossings. In the median alignment segments, special traffic signal software was designed to provide integrated LRV priority without the disruption of full preemption. All stations were designed with high-level platforms to minimize passenger loading times and to make handicapped access easier. Automatic overrun protection implemented via cab signaling allowed at-grade crossing gates to remain in the up position while LRVs dwell at nearside station platforms. At several locations streets were closed, turn movements prohibited, or streets converted to or from one-way operation to allow more efficient operation of automobiles or LRVs. The result of these operational features is an economical at-grade light rail system that meets the objectives of a reasonable LRV travel time and an acceptable level of service and safety for automobile traffic.
Publication Year: 1989
Publication Date: 1989-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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