Metrolink Adds Smart Crossing Technology to Moorpark and Riverside
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Courtesy of Metrolink
LOS ANGELES - Metrolink has expanded its Wireless Crossing Nearside Station Stop (WCNSS) technology to locations in Riverside and Moorpark.
According to the release, the ‘smart’ system was designed to reduce traffic congestion for drivers around Metrolink’s stations. The system was installed at Columbia Avenue crossing north of the Riverside-Hunter Park/UCR Station and the Moorpark Avenue crossing west of Moorpark Station. Due to a CRISI grant in 2018, the technology was able to be implemented.
Before this technology was used, approaching trains would trigger “the ‘downstream’ crossing’s safety features, which reset while trains were stopped to allow passengers to board and exit.” Trains would resume routes, and the gates would lower again. With WCNSS, crossings “prevent this by communicating in real time with Metrolink’s on-board Positive Train Control system” in order for safety features to stay idle until the train moves through the crossing. In 2022, Metrolink introduced the technology to seven crossings along its Arrow service. Metrolink says last June, it installed the technology at the Del Obispo Street Crossing in Orange County, where it spared “an estimated 1,584 activations and 36 hours of delays” since its installation. Additionally, the technology was implemented at the Juniper Avenue crossing in San Bernardino County in February.
As of reporting, 52 locations across Metrolink’s network are eligible for this upgrade, and Metrolink is working to seek funding for this expansion.
