Crash occurrence and severity at railway level crossings in Bangladesh

• Fixed and random parameter logit models identify factors affecting crash occurrence and severity at Bangladesh RLCs. • Analyzed RLC geometry & local traits: RLC markets, gathering spots, varied RLC types, lodges, barriers, and gateman actions. • Train speed and RLC warning sign placement significantly influence both accident occurrences and severity. • Low-budget interventions include standardizing sign placement (<28ft), installing speed bumps, and bamboo four-half barriers. • The Sholoshohor-Fatehbad segment is the most crash-prone site, and Gatemen Operational Failure causes the highest severity. Although train accidents are less frequent than road accidents, their consequences are often detrimental, especially at Railway Level Crossings (RLCs), the intersection points between rails and roads. RLC safety in developing countries like Bangladesh has received limited research attention despite the unique characteristics of these crossing types. This study aims to identify factors of occurrence and severity at RLCs in Bangladesh Railway East Zone from 2014 to 2021, during which crashes injured 89 and killed 54. An analysis of 121 RLCs across 18 districts examined how crossing, roadway, environmental, and exposure factors and crash reasons affect crash likelihood and severity. An extensive survey was conducted to build a structured database by collecting RLC specific information. After accounting random effects, no significant heterogeneity was detected in either the occurrence or severity models. Logistic modeling revealed that train speed, C-type and illegal RLCs, warning sign-to-barrier distance, poor gate lodge visibility, track-to-lodge distance, divisional community areas, heavy vehicle percentage, geometric orientation, and the Sholoshohor-Fatehbad segment increased crash likelihood. In contrast, A-type RLCs, crossing width/length ratios, four-half barriers, speed bumps, crossing angles (<45°), residential areas, and standard straight sections decreased occurrence. Additionally, the ordered logit model demonstrated that train speed, truck involvement, traffic-controlled RLCs, warning sign distance (<28 feet), off-peak timings, train-hitting-vehicle collisions, gatemen operational failures, law violations, and reckless traversing significantly impacted severity. Policy priorities include standardizing warning sign placement (<28 feet), improving lodge visibility with paint and clear sightlines, installing signs at T-intersections, and utilizing four-half bamboo gates for safer RLC design.