Mitigating Grade Crossing Blockage Queues by Modifying Signal Timing Plans: A Network-Level Microsimulation Approach Using Train Detection and Probe-Based Traffic Data

Road user delays arising from grade crossing blockages represent a major component of road user cost. Despite this recognition and recent advancements in data availability, monitoring technologies, and modeling tools, little work has been done to simulate operational impacts of crossing blockages at the network level. This article describes a proof-of-concept study that develops a traffic microsimulation model to quantify impacts of crossing blockages under various recovery signal timing plans. The study focuses on a signalized intersection near a grade crossing in Winnipeg, Canada. Considering various timing plans and blockage durations, the model reveals that the newly proposed signal timing plans shortened the queue clearance time relative to the plan currently used at the intersection. In doing so, the study demonstrated the value of integrating new traffic and crossing blockage data sources within a network-scale microsimulation model. Further work could be done to tailor the model to assess other types of operational and infrastructure solutions to problems associated with crossing blockages. Such work could help agencies select appropriate solutions and prioritize implementation.