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Consistency for Crossings through Portland, Maine and along the Guilford Rail System are giving the driving public something they can count on: when the gates go down, a train will arrive at the same time - every time. With the installation crossing predictors, no matter what speed an oncoming train is traveling at, a crossing's signals will activate approximately 30-40 seconds before the train reaches the crossing. This not only cuts down on traffic congestion created by trains moving at 10mph, but gives motorists consistency in signaling. Signals will no longer seem like "the longest red light in history." Without the consistency afforded by predictors, a mixture of slow and fast trains gives people the temptation to go around the gates. Bruce Jameson, Rail Project Manager, Maine DOT, worked with Guilford Rail to get the 13 crossings in Portland's corridor set up with the predictors. "Eventually we'd like to see them linked to the city's traffic lights," he said. The crossing predictor system is comprised of The Harmon Crossing Processor (HXP) and The Highway Crossing Analyzer (HCA). The HXP is an advanced warning system that provides a constant warning time, regardless of train speed. The HCA monitors and records the operation of all equipment at the crossing to determine potential problems. When the system detects any abnormality, it is reported promptly to a central maintenance location. Repair crews then can be dispatched to correct problems and minimize delays to the public. The HCA is a true demonstration of synergy. The HCA works in close conjunction with other HXP circuits but retains its own microprocessor, memory and battery interface to work as a stand-alone even recorder. Interface to the HCA is provided by the HXP's recorder interface module (RIM-2). Through the RIM-2, the HCA monitors and records various analog and digital inputs, initiating an alarm sequence whenever alarm parameters are met. Using software accessories, recorded data can be downloaded and is displayed in a graphic chart recorder format to simplify interpretation. |
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