Computerized Office Support for State Highway-Rail Crossing Programs

Abstract

State programs in grade crossing safety are an important and successful traffic safety initiative. Their cost-benefit ratios are close to those achieved on all other highway safety projects. Estimates suggest these railroad crossing improvements have contributed to an 88 percent reduction in fatalities and a 62 percent reduction in injuries. While these achievements were obtained through the combined efforts of railroad companies and federal, state, and local governments, the primary responsibility for carrying out the program has fallen upon the states. States have developed individual procedures in identifying and improving high-risk grade crossings. These procedures, which constitute a naturally collaborative process, often lead to long periods of time between the initial identification of high-risk crossings and the physical installation of improvements. Most states either have initiated action or are considering procedural changes to reduce these times. One particularly beneficial action is a status tracking procedure. Described here is a computerized office support system that combines status tracking and reporting capability with the ability to produce system-compiled documents necessary for the functioning of the office. Alabama's Multimodal Office Support System (AlaMOSS), is designed to improve the productivity and effectiveness of Alabama's grade-crossing safety program.