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Initiative 2d: New and Upgraded Infrastructure, Intermodal Terminals

Railroad Grade Separations
Description: The construction of railroad grade separations
Targeted mode: All traffic Geographic scope: Corridor
Type of initiative: Infrastructure management: major improvements Primary objective: Improve inadequate infrastructure/ enhance safety/reduce delays
Expected costs and level of effort to implement: Costs and efforts depend on the scope of the project and the complexity of the grade crossing. Due to the extensive planning and design considerations that should be taken into account, these projects are often expensive. Extensive stakeholder engagement is necessary, as is an assessment of positive and negative impacts for all economic agents involved. The reconstruction of grade crossings may require a lengthy implementation period.
Advantages:

  • Reduce congestion
  • Reduce risk and maintenance for the railroads
  • Increase safety
  • Increase corridor reliability
 Disadvantages:

  • May require very high capital investments
  • Require significant coordination with railroads
  • Require cooperation between multiple stakeholders
Examples:

  • Highway 307 Overpass of Norfolk Southern Railroad Outside of Port of Savannah Gate Source: (The Port of Los Angeles 2013)
  • Grade separation of State Route 307 over the rail line outside the Port of Savannah (Pendered 2012)
Related alternatives: 1. Ring Roads; 2. Freight Cluster Development (Freight Village); 3.Freight Parking and Loading Zones; 4. Truck Stops/ Parking Outside of Metropolitan Areas
References: Pendered 2012; The Port of Los Angeles 2013

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