Chicago Rail Link testing grade-crossing safety pilot project

OmniTRAX’s Chicago Rail Link has purchased a new grade-crossing train detection system.

Chicago Rail Link

OmniTRAX’s Chicago Rail Link (CRL), a 72-mile shortline railroad on Chicago’s South Side, may soon have a remedy for its current local grade-crossing that can no longer withstand harsh conditions with traditional track circuits for its signal system.

Officials say the CRL has purchased a new grade-crossing train detection system from Next Generation Rail Technologies S.L. (NGRT) that detects oncoming trains through sound and vibration analyses.

OmniTRAX Vice President of Government Affairs Dave Arganbright is leading a presentation of the new grade-crossing pilot project today during the annual meeting of the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials Standing Committee on Rail Transportation.

“This is another example of OmniTRAX’s innovative leveraging of technology to improve the safety of our operations,” said Sergio Sabatini, chief operating officer for OmniTRAX.

OmniTRAX says the technology would be beneficial to the CRL because it does not depend on traditional track circuits that can be falsely triggered. The technology would also allow the shortline to count axles and detect flat wheels to better prevent derailments.

“We are excited to begin testing this promising technology on one of the most challenging crossings in our network,” Arganbright said. “The potential industry-wide benefits from a successful pilot of NGRT’s detection system are limitless. This technology could enhance worker safety, detect broken rails, count axles and allow railroads to more efficiently spend their capital budgets.”

Officials say the CRL is working to submit an informational filing with the Federal Railroad Administration that would allow the shortline to operate its system in a “shadow mode” throughout the system’s trial phase to establish Product Safety Plan certification so the CRL could use the system permanently. 

The potential safety benefits of adding the detection technology have gained praise from local officials, OmniTRAX says.

“I am pleased to see the [CRL] and OmniTRAX’s commitment to safety in our area,” said Alderman Susan Sadlowski Garza, 10th Ward. “Chicago is the busiest rail hub in the United States and it is critical for railroads to invest in initiatives that enhance safety. I look forward to working with OmniTRAX to ensure the safety of our local community and promote initiatives that enhance rail safety across the Chicagoland area.”