Risks associated with road-rail grade crossings: A systematic literature review

Rail transport is a strategic solution for moving goods and passengers, particularly in countries with high logistical demands. However, ensuring safety at grade crossings, where railways and roadways intersect at the same level, is a significant challenge for this sector. This paper presents a systematic literature review of the risks associated with grade crossings and the methodologies used to assess them. The study emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach to risk assessment that considers infrastructure characteristics, user behavior, and physical aspects of crossings. Through an analysis of related papers published within the last decade, the review identifies gaps in the literature, particularly regarding the integration of behavioral, technical, and physical variables. The review also emphasizes adapting methodologies to regional circumstances, especially in developing countries with limited infrastructure and resources. This research advances railway safety by critically analyzing recent studies on grade crossings, highlighting areas needing more attention, and suggesting directions for future investigations. The results provide valuable insights for developing more effective risk assessment models using tools such as multicriteria analysis, computational simulations, and artificial intelligence. The results pave the way for further research to improve safety at grade crossings with theoretical and practical applications in different contexts. • Systematic review of 38 studies maps risk factors and methods for level crossings. • Joint analysis of technical, behavioral, and physical risks is essential. • Integrated approaches are needed to assess grade crossing risks in local contexts. • Risk methods must adapt to regional conditions, such as in Latin America and Africa. • Collaborative research can advance hybrid, more effective safety solutions.