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Level crossing research released

11/09/2018

ACRI’s latest research report outlining the findings of lab testing of visual stimuli for attracting the attention of road users at level crossings was recently circulated to ACRI Participants. Seeking to inform the issue of unintentional blindness or ‘looked-but-failed-to-see’ incidents at level crossings, ACRI’s research set out to test new rail level crossing light configurations under laboratory conditions, as an initial proof of concept. The intention was to identify the configurations that show the greatest promise for further testing under real-world conditions. The focus was on lighting position and levels of brightness. Included in this work commissioned from the University…

Evaluating level crossing visual warning devices for pedestrians using eye-tracking

07/09/2018

ACRI research into the potential for in-ground illuminated pads to attract the attention of pedestrians distracted by mobile devices or headphones is soon to move into its field testing stage with the assistance of KiwiRail. Using eye-tracking technology in-ground lighting configurations have been tested by ACRI Researcher Dr Gregoire Laure in a laboratory setting. The next step is to examine the potential of these designs at level crossings in New Zealand where they have been recently installed by KiwiRail, again using eye tracking technology. The casualty reduction potential of new designs is of strong interest in New Zealand with the…

Assessing suitability of drones for heavy haul track inspection

03/08/2018

ACRI is soon to commence evaluating drone support for remote heavy haul operations. This research to be undertaken through CQUniversity to inform heavy haul asset management efficiencies, will field test a drone solution to feasibility stage by deploying a UAV to inspect track in a desert area and identify any additional benefit a drone may provide to current inspection and maintenance technology. Field tests will be conducted at Roy Hill’s Port Hedland operations.

Stage 2 commences – measurement of rail stress

03/08/2018

Details have now been finalised for the next stage of ACRI’s evaluation of the Marvin system for moving locomotive measurement of rail stress. CQUniversity, having undertaken the initial review of system adapted from naval asset management earlier in 2018, will now undertake the field testing and data analysis for ACRI’s heavy haul participants.

Train Horn investigation

24/07/2018

ACRI is currently researching the usage of train horns as a warning for level crossing approach from a human factors perspective. ACRI research provider QUT has undertaken a review of published literature on train horn practices and impacts with data collection via field observations and interviews to follow. This work should inform both an understanding of the efficacy of train horns for level crossing user warning and decision making on horn usage for rail operators.