DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LEVEL CROSSINGS LOCATED ON TRACK CURVES

Abstract

Level crossings remain a critical safety concern, especially as railway networks are upgraded for higher speeds and increased traffic volumes. Although significant efforts are made to reduce the number of level crossings, many of them will remain in operation due to different local constraints. With the rise in operational speeds, the risks associated with level crossings become more severe, requiring the application of stricter safety standards and improved design practices. This paper presents the main principles for the design of level crossings. Although it is recommended for level crossings to be located in straight track, sometimes it is not possible to avoid locating them in curved track, even in the case of curves with high cant and narrow radius. Authors draw special attention to this type of level crossings, especially those located on double track railway lines due to their complex geometry. Additionally, authors recommend appropriate measures to improve road alignment while maintaining rail safety and operational efficiency. Implementing such solutions can significantly enhance the overall safety and functionality of level crossings in challenging track geometry.