An AHP model for level crossing design

Barić, Danijela; Pižeta, Filip · 2018 · Crossref

DOI: 10.2495/safe-v8-n1-65-76

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Summary

This study addresses the critical safety and mobility challenges associated with level crossings (LCs), specifically focusing on the LC Trnava in Zagreb, Croatia. Level crossings are high-risk intersections where human error accounts for over 95% of accidents. The authors aim to determine the optimal design for reconstructing this specific LC by evaluating multiple variants through a multi-criteria decision-making framework. The research is motivated by severe safety issues at LC Trnava, including high rates of illegal pedestrian and cyclist crossings, significant traffic congestion, and a history of fatal accidents. The methodology combines field data collection, microscopic traffic simulation, and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The authors conducted a survey of 200 users and performed traffic counts to establish baseline conditions. They used PTV VISSIM software to simulate current traffic flows, revealing substantial delays, long vehicle queues (up to 240.8 meters), and high CO emissions. Four reconstruction variants were proposed: Variant 1 involved a pedestrian-cyclist underpass; Variant 2 added a traffic ban for vehicles; Variant 3 included underpasses for both pedestrians/cyclists and vehicles at two adjacent crossings; and Variant 4 combined elements of Variants 2 and 3. The AHP model, implemented using Expert Choice software, evaluated these variants based on seven criteria: safety, social benefits, financial indicators, ecological indicators, functional efficiency, technical-technological factors, and spatial-urban considerations. The AHP analysis identified Variant 3 as the optimal solution, scoring 43.1%, followed by Variant 4 (23.8%), Variant 2 (17.2%), and Variant 1 (15.8%). Safety was ranked as the most important criterion. Simulation of the optimal Variant 3 demonstrated significant improvements over the current state. Vehicle queue lengths were reduced from approximately 240 meters to 38 meters, and average vehicle delays dropped from 80 seconds to 16 seconds. Environmental impacts were also mitigated, with CO emissions and fuel consumption roughly halved compared to the baseline. Furthermore, the construction of underpasses eliminated waiting times and conflict points for pedestrians and cyclists, ensuring uninterrupted and safe passage. The study concludes that the AHP method is an effective tool for selecting optimal LC designs by balancing safety, efficiency, and environmental concerns. The findings suggest that comprehensive infrastructure changes, such as the multi-modal underpasses in Variant 3, significantly enhance urban mobility and safety. By removing conflict points between road, rail, and non-motorized traffic, the proposed design not only reduces accident risks but also encourages the use of environmentally friendly transport modes. This approach provides a structured framework for urban planners to evaluate complex traffic infrastructure projects.

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• rail grade crossings