Identifying and Using Low-Cost and Quickly Implementable Ways to Address Freight-System Mobility Constraints (2010) / Chapter Skim
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From page 76... ...
Recognizing that the characteristics of each mode in terms of the level of public- and private-sector involvement and partnership in decisions regarding funding improvement projects determine the approaches to addressing freight mobility, different approaches are used in developing the catalog of strategies. The catalog of improvements are developed from case studies that represent projects that have been implemented in different parts of the country and to address a variety of freight mobility constraints.
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From page 77... ...
identified the top 30 freight highway bottlenecks to be poorly functioning interchanges on the NHS. These bottlenecks were identified based on analysis of the performance in terms of volume/ capacity ratios and delay derived from freight flow data.
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From page 78... ...
Occurs on short ramps on interchanges • Add auxiliary lane to connect an on-ramp and off-ramp • Extend/lengthen the ramp Inadequate Interchange/Ramp Capacity Inability of freeway-to-freeway interchanges and ramps to handle high traffic volume merging and weaving. Occurs on short ramps, single-lane ramps, short deceleration lanes • Extend/lengthen the ramp length • Extend/lengthen the acceleration and deceleration lanes • Add a dedicated turning lane at intersection • Ramp metering -- install traffic signals at freeway on-ramps to control the rate of vehicles entering the freeway • Realign/improve interchange layout and add ramps • Widen lane width on ramp • Install new traffic signal • Add auxiliary lane to connect an on-ramp and off-ramp • Reduce speed limit on ramp • Install warning/advisory/navigational signs on ramps • Improve existing road signs to reduce confusion or to warn the traffic • Repaint pavement marking with fluorescent paint to separate traffic movement • Restriping i.e., re-mark pavement lanes to add more narrow lanes Steep Grade Where steep uphill grade causes trucks to slow down causing delays to other traffic • Add a passing lane on steep grades Steep Grade with Ramp Meter Ramp metering on steep grades to regulate access to urban freeways resulting in queues and delays caused by slow-moving trucks.
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From page 79... ...
to implement revisions in merging and diverging areas • Deploy technology to allow in - cab communication Inadequate Intersection Capacity T raffic demand exceeds intersection capacity; may be caused by outdated traffic signals, poor signal timing , or no dedicated turn lanes • Add a dedicated turning lane at intersection • Extend/lengthen the existing turning lane • Widen the lane width • Modify traffic signal phasing taking traffic volume in account • Install traffic signal at intersection • Upgrade existing traffic signal • Widen pavement shoulder • Extend existing turning lanes to accommodate traffic • Improve existing road signs to reduce confusion or to warn the traffic • Improve intersection layout to meet traffic demand and accommodate trucks • Add auxiliary lane to connect an on - ramp and off - ramp Insufficient Parking for Trucks Inadequate parking facilities along highways and restriction s in central business districts • Provide basic parking for trucks even if without amenities especially closer to urban areas • Widen and pave shoulders to allow trucks to park – especially close to urban areas O pe ra tio na l C on st ra in ts Steep Grade with Ramp Meter Ramp metering on steep grades to regulate access to urban freeways resulting in queues and delays caused by slow-moving trucks • Remove ramp meter, i.e., remove traffic signal on ramp with steep grades • Relocate ramp meter, i.e., relocate traffic signal on ramp to improve effectiveness • Alter ramp metering operation, i.e., reprogram traffic signal operation on ramp to provide exclusive lanes to bypass queue at ramp meter Poor Road Signage/ Lack o f Warning Signs Poor road signage, i.e., graphics created to display information to highway users in order to warn or inform • Improve existing road/navigational signs to reduce confusion or to warn the traffic • Provide warning/advisory and/or navigational signs Poor Traffic System Management Lack of, or poor , traffic control system including a condition where signal timing does not meet traffic requirements • Upgrade existing traffic signal to accommodate traffic demand • Install new traffic signal system • Modify signal phasing taking traffic volume in to account • Synchronize closely placed traffic signals for traffic to receive right of way simultaneously during one or more intervals Lack of Traveler Information Lack of or limited traveler information provided to trucks • Improve existing or provide traveler information • Use variable message si g n s to provide traveler information R eg ul at or y C on st ra in ts Truck Restrictions in Central Business District Where regulatory controls restrict access to central business district during certain times of the day or restrict parking in certain sections • Develop and implement loading comprehensive zone plan that co nsiders truck delivery and pick up • Implement metered freight loading zones in designated areas • In high freight activity locations, add loading zone "hot spots" • Designate locations with on - street parking away from loading zones • Discourage peak - hour loading/unloading through increased parking violation fines during peak periods • Increase enforcement activities for automobiles parking in docking areas Table 31. (Continued)
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From page 80... ...
These programs are joint public and private stakeholder cooperative initiatives with the primary objectives of reducing congestion and delays on rail and highways, improving efficiency in freight and passenger mobility, enhancing safety, and reducing air emissions. Information gathered through literature reviews, interviews, and survey of stakeholders indicate that some of the most severe and persistent rail freight mobility constraints include the following: • Outdated communication and signaling systems including signaling restrictions • Switching inefficiency including conflicts for mixed-speed operation on single or dual tracks • Inadequate sidings to accommodate train lengths • Inadequate capacity of yards and port terminals.
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• Delay to intermodal freight movement between the East Coast and the Midwest. NS Heartland Corridor • Multi-state/Federal/public-private partnership – (VA Port Authority, NS railroad, VA, WV, and OH)
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. The examples of low-cost improvements described for the CREATE projects and similar actions that have been proven to be effective in addressing rail freight mobility constraints and have the potential for nationwide applicability are included in the catalog presented in Table 33.
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to support and ensure efficient operation or expand capacity • Remove capping of returns/ provide incentives for investments • Investment tax credit • Encourage public - private partnerships • Provide access to public funding Ph ys ic al C on st ra in ts Inadequate Siding Capacity Lack of, or inadequate , passing siding to allow efficient train movement • Extend siding track to accommodate longer trains • Provide new siding track long enough to accommodate train lengths • Provide turnout to enable trains to be guided from one track to another at a railway junction • Realign tracks to ensure smooth ride and increased speed • Upgrade siding track to accommodate all trains using track • Provide connection tracks • Centralized Traffic Control System -- use of electrical circuits in tracks to monitor locations of trains, allowing remote control of train movements from a central dispatching office. Inadequate Capacity of Yards and Port Terminals o r Inefficient Yard Operations Inadequate rail and port terminals as well as inefficiencies in terminal operations causing delays to trains and trucks • Expand carload terminals to add capacity • Expand intermodal terminals to add more capacity • Maximize infrastructure and equipment utilization through cooperative competitor arrangements for port terminal operations • Coordinate operations with feeder services , e.g., short - line or regional railroads, to optimize joint operations
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These strategies are of national value because, potentially, they can be implemented at any port in the country with similar results. Table 36 shows the list of low-cost improvements to address freight mobility constraints at deepwater ports and inland waterways.
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Port Authority of New York/New Jersey Maximize infrastructure and equipment utilization through cooperative competitor arrangements, e.g., Chassis pool (98) Hampton Roads Container Pool II (HRCP-2)
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• Upgrade existing traffic signal to accommodate traffic demand • Modify signal phasing taking traffic volume into account Inadequate rail intermodal connector capacity Inadequate capacity of rail connectors to handle train traffic • Use fast rail shuttles • Integrate maritime and rail movements • Off-dock container yards • Partnership to reduce passenger/freight rail use conflicts R eg ul at or y C on st ra in ts Labor laws and restrictive contractual limitations Restrictive labor laws and contractual agreements that adversely impact labor supply • Negotiate training terms and conditions to increase skills and trained labor supply TWIC requirements and lack of cardreading equipment Implementation of security and safety measures • Upgrade card readers • Use existing off-the-shelf software packages for card readers Ph ys ic al C on st ra in ts Inadequate capacity of terminal yard/gates Inadequate capacity of terminal yard to meet demand • Locate secured inspection areas outside major traffic areas • Terminal reconfiguration to add capacity • Maximize infrastructure utilization through cooperative competitor arrangements (e.g., Rail Yard Cargo Shift) Table 36.
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