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Section 11504 of the 2015 Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) directed the Secretary of Transportation to develop a proposed exemption of railroad rights-of-way (ROW) from review under the requirements of...
FRA developed a MS Excel spreadsheet model as a tool to assess noise impacts from train horns in the vicinity of highway-rail grade crossings. The model predicts noise levels to the side of the railway and the anticipated effects using FRA noise impact criteria.
Noise is one of the most common environmental impacts from transportation systems including rail operations. Guidance is available on how to assess noise and vibration impacts as part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation. FAQs and an analytic model to assess horn noise...
The process of Technology Transfer is an area of responsibility undertaken in the Train Occupant Protection Research Program to encourage the utilization of research results by the railroad industry, leading to safer and more efficient rail transportation. In every aspect of the train occupant...
Project is funded to demonstrate that Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) self-propelled passenger rail car technology fully meets the existing Federal railroad passenger safety standards 49 CFR §238....
The Train Occupant Protection Program (TOP) conducts research on the structural crashworthiness and interior safety of locomotives and intercity and commuter railcars, with the aim of improving the survivability of rail passengers and crewmembers in accidents.
While intercity...
The FRA crashworthiness research program has a long history.1 Initially, the program focus was on passenger equipment but a February 1996 accident in Silver Spring, Maryland that resulted in several fatalities brought a powerful impetus to address the problems of train collisions and their...
The Train Occupant Protection Program conducts research on the structural crashworthiness and interior safety of locomotives and passenger railcars (used for intercity and commuter rail service), with the aim of improving the survivability of rail passengers and crewmembers in accidents. It...
The Railroad Systems Issues (RSI) research program comprises the advanced strategic initiatives that ensure RD&T alignment with national priorities and areas of technological need. The program supports industry transformation by investing in research and innovation to meet the challenges of...
RD&T is organized into four divisions, subdivided into different program areas, and Railroad Systems Issues in the office of the director. The following table shows how RD&T divisions and program areas relate to the most frequent causes of railroad accidents and incidents. In...